Been living here since 2024. The unemployment rate is 6.5%, which is concerning. Poverty rate is 8.7%, which is pretty low. Crime rate is something to consider -Lawndale sits at 381.7 per 100K. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. What neighborhoods would you suggest? Any help is appreciated. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The city has invested a lot in new development. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The food scene here is surprisingly good. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
23 upvotes
15 Replies
Brian A.
100%
34 upvotes
Alexa Gray
I'm a software engineer and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
32 upvotes
Luke Torres
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 14 years. Moved from Charlotte for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2023 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is pretty good - 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. Uptown 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 public transit options. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
Daniel Ortiz
Used to live on the Westside side, now on the Uptown side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
28 upvotes
Robert Wilson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in South. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in finance. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
24 upvotes
Logan Nguyen
As someone who grew up here, it's been a really good experience overall. A lot has changed in the past few years though. pet-friendliness used to be much growing but now it's solid.
23 upvotes
Evan Lopez
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it exceeded my expectations. Good luck with whatever you decide..
16 upvotes
isaiah_local
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 8 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Midtown side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
15 upvotes
Owen Davis
Public transit is excellent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
15 upvotes
Nevaeh Walker
Hot take but I'm still on the fence after all this time. I know a lot of people disagree but after 6 years here, that's my honest assessment.
15 upvotes
Xavier
facts
9 upvotes
Scarlett P.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
7 upvotes
Katherine
lol so true
7 upvotes
Miles
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely excellent and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Maple Ridge) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene 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
Eliana M.
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from New York, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Strong job market in several industries
- The nightlife scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for couples. Definitely worth checking out..
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