Longtime lurker here, I've been here for 7 years and Median household income is $95,425, which feels pretty solid for the area. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The city has invested a lot in new development. Any advice would be great.
25 upvotes
28 Replies
Isabelle Lewis
couldn't agree more
39 upvotes
Xavier Myers
I've been living here for 13 years and I'd say it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor recreation is improving compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
39 upvotes
happy_gabriel67
following this thread
38 upvotes
Roman Walker
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Houston about 13 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong sense of community
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are manageable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
37 upvotes
Avery Martin
As someone who grew up here, it exceeded my expectations. A lot has changed in the past few years though. traffic used to be much stable but now it's tough.
37 upvotes
Brooklyn W.
accurate
36 upvotes
Brielle Gonzalez
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it exceeded my expectations. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
36 upvotes
Audrey Price
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
29 upvotes
Catherine W.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Boston about 11 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Lots of new development happening
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Nightlife is limited
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are pricey, gas is solid.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
28 upvotes
loving_cooper63
great question, following
27 upvotes
Emily W.
Saving this thread
27 upvotes
Isabella Campbell
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 1 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
26 upvotes
Dylan K.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 12 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
26 upvotes
Piper
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 58, moved here 1 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Old Town and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Affordable housing options
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Limited shopping options
3. The nightlife situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for retirees. better than expected 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 Atlanta, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$100K 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.
22 upvotes
Alexa Carter
glad someone said it
22 upvotes
Leah Adams
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 58, moved here 5 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Cedar Grove and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Limited shopping options
3. The nightlife situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for remote workers. underrated vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Boston, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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
Connor Turner
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 12 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
20 upvotes
Charlotte R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 33, moved here 13 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Greenfield and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The cultural scene situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for singles. decent vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $70K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
15 upvotes
sd_naomi
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want dating scene, then yeah this place is great. But if walkability matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
14 upvotes
Logan Ramirez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 1 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
11 upvotes
Linda A.
My experience has been mostly positive. it's improved dramatically in recent years. The only thing I'd watch out for is cultural scene. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
8 upvotes
Benjamin Lee
I've been living here for 2 years and I'd say there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The healthcare is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
5 upvotes
Jack Turner
wish I knew this sooner
5 upvotes
Leonardo Myers
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want safety, then yeah this place is great. But if dating scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
5 upvotes
Ian Gonzalez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Dallas about 4 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good healthcare facilities
- Decent public transit for the size
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are established, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Good luck with whatever you decide..
3 upvotes
Jayden Collins
We moved here with our family and the quality of life is solid. Schools in Sunset area are better than expected. Kids love it here.
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