Been meaning to ask this. I'm a college student here and The median home value here is around $349,900, which seems about average. Crime rate is something to consider -Land O' Lakes sits at 315.8 per 100K. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Would love some local perspective.
27 upvotes
16 Replies
Leonardo Morgan
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it's not perfect but it works for me. Compared to San Diego it's better than expected.
37 upvotes
Ethan Morris
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Dallas about 1 years ago. The main reasons were work and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Affordable housing options
- Good airport with direct flights
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Dating scene is rough
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are manageable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
37 upvotes
Matthew Ramirez
I'm a pharmacist and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
35 upvotes
Jaxon Patel
My experience has been mostly positive. I love the pace of life here. The only thing I'd watch out for is nightlife. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..
35 upvotes
Jayden Wilson
Weather-wise, the summers are better than expected and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
34 upvotes
Maya
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Phoenix and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Lakewood. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
28 upvotes
Clara G.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want safety, then yeah this place is great. But if public transit matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
25 upvotes
Theodore Jackson
seconding this
22 upvotes
Adrian Rogers
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is nightlife. I have mixed feelings honestly. Worth doing your research before committing.
20 upvotes
Parker S.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
15 upvotes
Grayson Wood
My experience has been mostly positive. I genuinely enjoy living here. The only thing I'd watch out for is cultural scene. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..
9 upvotes
Hazel
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I genuinely enjoy living here.
8 upvotes
Lillian Flores
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely improving and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Highland) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Dating scene is rough.
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.
All Countries
