Not sure if this has been asked before, but Military spouse here. With a population of 4,185, Lisbon Falls is a small town. Median household income is $71,513, which feels about average for the area. It's a a small town city with about 4,185 people. Rent is about $1,028/month for a decent place. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Worth the trade-offs? The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
1 upvotes
5 Replies
Rylee P.
Public transit is excellent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
36 upvotes
Miles Long
100%
31 upvotes
dc_waylon
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 54, moved here 3 years ago from LA. I've lived in Fairview and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Active local events and festivals
2. Close to major attractions
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The safety situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for singles. average vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $50K-$100K 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.
26 upvotes
Sarah Lewis
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from LA about 13 years ago. The main reasons were family and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Decent public transit for the size
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are growing, gas is solid.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Good luck with whatever you decide..
16 upvotes
Mackenzie Diaz
Used to live on the Lakewood side, now on the Cedar Grove side. Completely different vibe. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.