Longtime lurker here, I grew up here but left for a while. The unemployment rate is 3.2%, which is pretty low. Average temperature is around 52--F, so expect cold winters. Poverty rate is 8.2%, which is pretty low. You can expect to pay around $1,460 for rent here. It's a a smaller city city with about 63,034 people. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The suburbs are where most families end up. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The suburbs are where most families end up. The city has invested a lot in new development. The weather takes some getting used to. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
0 upvotes
27 Replies
Rylee Anderson
Moved here last year, no regrets.
40 upvotes
Hunter C.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 10 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
39 upvotes
Connor Phillips
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 14 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
39 upvotes
Levi Parker
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's not perfect but it works for me. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
36 upvotes
Lydia R.
I've lived in Lakewood for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good internet infrastructure
- The dating scene scene is average
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for young professionals. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
35 upvotes
Axel Walker
Weather-wise, the summers are better than expected and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
33 upvotes
Charlotte Hernandez
Came here for cost of living and stayed because there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The weather is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
31 upvotes
Madeline C.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 8 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
31 upvotes
Natalie Martinez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 2 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
31 upvotes
Carter Lopez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Austin about 4 years ago. The main reasons were school and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Close to major attractions
- Affordable housing options
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are pricey, gas is excellent.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Happy to answer more specific questions..
24 upvotes
Mia Cook
Public transit is hit or miss here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it exceeded my expectations.
24 upvotes
mountain_lucas33
Bought a house here in 2020 and the quality of life is solid. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
23 upvotes
Patricia S.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 15 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into running, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
21 upvotes
Sarah Thompson
accurate
17 upvotes
Elizabeth Bennett
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 5 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Active local events and festivals
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are pricey, gas is underrated.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
17 upvotes
Gerald W.
Moved here from Dallas about 9 years ago. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Still getting used to cost of living but Definitely worth checking out..
13 upvotes
Allison Morgan
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely better than expected and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Old Town) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
11 upvotes
Brooklyn A.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Boston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Meadowbrook. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
6 upvotes
Isaac
Used to live on the Sunset side, now on the Oak Park side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.
6 upvotes
Claire Jimenez
hmm interesting perspective
6 upvotes
Cameron Alvarez
I've lived in Old Town for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Strong job market in several industries
- The nightlife scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
5 upvotes
Avery Torres
I work in hospitality here and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The job market for my field is excellent. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
5 upvotes
Evelyn
yeah no that's not right
5 upvotes
Michael F.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. No regrets on my end..
4 upvotes
Sophia R.
hard disagree but ok
2 upvotes
Noah Moore
+1
2 upvotes
Ethan Cruz
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 56, moved here 4 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Greenfield and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Homeless population growing downtown
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The school system situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for families. excellent vibes, walkable.
- East: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Dallas, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
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