OK so I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Rent is about $1,900/month for a decent place. The unemployment rate is 4.7%, which is about average. You can expect to pay around $1,900 for rent here. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. What do you all think? The suburbs are where most families end up. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
3 upvotes
29 Replies
Jackson Nguyen
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely decent and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
39 upvotes
Elijah Davis
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 58, moved here 7 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Eastside and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The job market situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for couples. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Charlotte, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$110K 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.
39 upvotes
Lucas Thomas
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Atlanta about 6 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Four distinct seasons
- Close to major attractions
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are growing, gas is average.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Hope this helps!.
38 upvotes
Ian King
Moved here from Charlotte about 10 years ago. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Still getting used to healthcare but No regrets on my end..
35 upvotes
Hannah Lopez
I work in healthcare here and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The job market for my field is challenging. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
29 upvotes
Genesis Jimenez
Bought a house here in 2016 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
29 upvotes
Everly Rivera
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 5 years. Moved from Raleigh for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. 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. Riverside schools are decent. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Dating scene is rough. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
29 upvotes
Isaiah Davis
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 6 years. Moved from Atlanta for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Lakewood 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. Road conditions need improvement. Bugs and humidity in summer. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
Aaron T.
exactly what I was thinking
25 upvotes
minneapolispapa2021
I'm a real estate agent and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
22 upvotes
Valentina Morris
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 37, moved here 3 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Sunset and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Strong sense of community
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. Limited entertainment options
3. The cost of living situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for families. decent vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Seattle, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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
Hannah M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 58, moved here 12 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Downtown and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Close to major attractions
2. Affordable housing options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The traffic situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for young professionals. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Denver, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $70K-$120K 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
Everett G.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Atlanta and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Oak Park. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in tech. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Thai.
No regrets on my end..
21 upvotes
Cooper Baker
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.
21 upvotes
Audrey Bennett
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 2 years. Moved from Portland for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. retail 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 exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Lakewood schools are challenging. 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. Winters are long and cold. Chain restaurants dominate. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
Serenity Hill
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Internet is better than expected in most areas.
18 upvotes
Jack R.
I've lived in Oak Park for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Close to major attractions
- The pet-friendliness scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for couples. Happy to answer more specific questions..
17 upvotes
Carson Adams
I've lived in Springfield for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good internet infrastructure
- The cultural scene scene is solid
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for couples. Hope this helps!.
17 upvotes
John Kim
I've lived in Fairview for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Good airport with direct flights
- The public transit scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for singles. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
15 upvotes
Willow Gray
glad someone said it
15 upvotes
Ella B.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely improving and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
12 upvotes
Natalie Torres
My experience has been mostly positive. it was the best decision I ever made. The only thing I'd watch out for is safety. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
11 upvotes
Eva H.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 2 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
5 upvotes
Hannah Richardson
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in Old Town area are solid. Kids love it here.
4 upvotes
dc_noah
hmm interesting perspective
4 upvotes
William R.
exactly what I was thinking
3 upvotes
Leonardo Long
I've been living here for 14 years and I'd say it's improved dramatically in recent years. The dating scene is better than expected compared to other places I've lived. Overall Happy to answer more specific questions..
3 upvotes
Landon Morgan
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely pretty good and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (East) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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
Asher Morris
I work in engineering here and the quality of life is solid. The job market for my field is improving. Definitely worth checking out..
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