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Gregory S.
living
Anyone else love living in Lawndale?
Hey, I'm a remote worker and The median home value here is around $726,000, which is pretty steep.
28 upvotes
30 Replies
Connor Ward
big facts right here
40 upvotes
Kaylee Ramirez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 44, moved here 7 years ago from LA. I've lived in Eastside and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The safety situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for families. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 LA, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
Background: I'm a social worker, 44, moved here 7 years ago from LA. I've lived in Eastside and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The safety situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for families. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 LA, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
30 upvotes
Owen G.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 11 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
I've been here 11 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
30 upvotes
Grace Turner
Moved here from Atlanta about 7 years ago. I have mixed feelings honestly. Still getting used to housing market but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
27 upvotes
Mackenzie Stewart
Public transit is challenging here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I genuinely enjoy living here.
27 upvotes
David Hughes
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 12 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
I've been here 12 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
26 upvotes
Addison Evans
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 1 years. Moved from New York for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is decent - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset schools are average. 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. Limited shopping options. Far from beaches/mountains. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Sunset for 1 years. Moved from New York for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is decent - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset schools are average. 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. Limited shopping options. Far from beaches/mountains. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
25 upvotes
Caleb Johnson
I'm a social worker and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
24 upvotes
Maria O.
Bought a house here in 2015 and I love the pace of life here. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
23 upvotes
Waylon Gutierrez
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Internet is tough in most areas.
23 upvotes
Leo Sanchez
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want outdoor recreation, then yeah this place is great. But if weather matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
20 upvotes
Everett Sanders
I've been living here for 10 years and I'd say I have mixed feelings honestly. The weather is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
20 upvotes
Isabella Walker
My experience has been mostly positive. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The only thing I'd watch out for is food scene. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..
18 upvotes
Parker Hughes
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 12 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
I've been here 12 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
18 upvotes
Melanie
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 29, moved here 13 years ago from LA. I've lived in Sunset and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The healthcare situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for retirees. solid vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 LA, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
Background: I'm a project manager, 29, moved here 13 years ago from LA. I've lived in Sunset and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The healthcare situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for retirees. solid vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 LA, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
18 upvotes
Sebastian L.
I've lived in East for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Active local events and festivals
- The food scene scene is decent
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. Hope this helps!.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Active local events and festivals
- The food scene scene is decent
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. Hope this helps!.
18 upvotes
Dylan Nelson
preach
17 upvotes
Jack R.
not my experience at all
15 upvotes
Lillian Ward
this is the way
15 upvotes
Gabriella Hall
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I have mixed feelings honestly. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
15 upvotes
Christian Gonzalez
honestly same experience here
9 upvotes
Liam G.
seconding this
9 upvotes
Sofia
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want community vibe, then yeah this place is great. But if public transit matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
8 upvotes
Oliver F.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 1 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. 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 rock climbing, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
I've been here 1 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. 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 rock climbing, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
8 upvotes
Arianna Smith
I'm a lawyer and I've found I love the pace of life here. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
8 upvotes
Julia B.
I've been living here for 15 years and I'd say it was the best decision I ever made. The school system is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall Happy to answer more specific questions..
5 upvotes
Wyatt
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is housing market. I have mixed feelings honestly. Worth doing your research before committing.
4 upvotes
Carol E.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 2 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
I've been here 2 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
4 upvotes
Parker
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely underrated and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (The Heights) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely underrated and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (The Heights) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
3 upvotes
Mason B.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 1 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is average - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are improving. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Property taxes are high. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Old Town for 1 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is average - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are improving. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Property taxes are high. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
3 upvotes