We have two kids and With a population of 4,495, Lexington is a small town. Crime rate is something to consider -Lexington sits at 364.8 per 100K. Rent is about $1,537/month for a decent place. The city has invested a lot in new development. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The weather takes some getting used to. What would you do? The food scene here is surprisingly good. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The suburbs are where most families end up.
12 upvotes
11 Replies
James Martinez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Portland and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Lakewood. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in tech. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Korean.
No regrets on my end..
37 upvotes
oaklandmind2021
I've lived in Riverside for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Affordable housing options
- The community vibe scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Bugs and humidity in summer
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. Happy to answer more specific questions..
33 upvotes
Peyton Ortiz
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 5 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
32 upvotes
Cameron Allen
We moved here with our family and it's exactly what I was looking for. Schools in Old Town area are solid. Kids love it here.
17 upvotes
Matthew Ruiz
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 51, moved here 7 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Summers can be brutally hot
3. The healthcare situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for young professionals. improving vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 San Diego, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
17 upvotes
Rachel C.
Moved here from Denver about 11 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to pet-friendliness but Definitely worth checking out..
15 upvotes
chicagorider2021
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I genuinely enjoy living here. Happy to answer more specific questions..
14 upvotes
Lydia Morris
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 32, moved here 15 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Riverside and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The job market situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for couples. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Tampa, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
8 upvotes
William R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 30, moved here 13 years ago from LA. I've lived in Pine Hills and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally tough - 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 cost of living situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for singles. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$110K 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.
8 upvotes
Elizabeth B.
thanks for sharing
2 upvotes
Hannah Gutierrez
Weather-wise, the summers are underrated and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
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