Anyone else feel this way? The median home value here is around $605,000, which is pretty steep. Household incomes average around $118,605 in Lathrop. Average temperature is around 63--F, so the weather is moderate. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The suburbs are where most families end up. Is this normal for Lathrop? It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
24 upvotes
14 Replies
Nova Morgan
We moved here with our family and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Schools in North area are challenging. Kids love it here.
38 upvotes
Theodore Parker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 41, moved here 2 years ago from New York. I've lived in Fairview and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Property taxes are high
3. The food scene situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for singles. solid vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 New York, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
26 upvotes
Ezekiel Nelson
Came here for family and stayed because I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The nightlife is honestly surprisingly good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
24 upvotes
Noah Morgan
exactly what I was thinking
23 upvotes
Leo Morris
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 24, moved here 6 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Fairview and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The cultural scene situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for remote workers. solid vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Baltimore, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
21 upvotes
Elena
Bought a house here in 2018 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
18 upvotes
Jose Taylor
I've lived in Downtown for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The dating scene scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
17 upvotes
Paisley Green
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from New York and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Maple Ridge. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in marketing. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Definitely worth checking out..
15 upvotes
Jaxon Y.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. I genuinely enjoy living here. Compared to Seattle it's tough.
11 upvotes
Robert J.
The food scene here is surprisingly good. Tons of great Vietnamese places. it's exactly what I was looking for.
10 upvotes
Joseph W.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Cedar Grove for 3 years. Moved from LA for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Cedar Grove schools are better than expected. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Not very walkable outside downtown. Far from beaches/mountains. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
10 upvotes
Samuel P.
it depends on the neighborhood
8 upvotes
Greyson W.
wish I knew this sooner
6 upvotes
Violet Garcia
The food scene here is decent. Tons of great Thai places. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
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