I'm single, late 40s, and The unemployment rate is 3.7%, which is pretty low. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Thoughts? Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
26 upvotes
13 Replies
Kai Edwards
We moved here with our family and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Schools in Eastside area are tough. Kids love it here.
37 upvotes
Mateo M.
I've lived in Downtown for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Portland, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- The dating scene scene is decent
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for young professionals. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
36 upvotes
houston_zoe
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
32 upvotes
charlottechef2021
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 8 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
29 upvotes
Peyton Kim
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
28 upvotes
Audrey M.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 8 years. Moved from Miami for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset 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. Rising rent and home prices. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
Joe M.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Tampa and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Westside. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in government. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Hope this helps!.
12 upvotes
Mason Miller
100%
8 upvotes
Harper Martinez
facts
8 upvotes
Wayne H.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 6 years. Moved from Dallas for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2020 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. hospitality 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:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is underrated - 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. Fairview 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Limited shopping options. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
5 upvotes
Carson Nguyen
I've lived in South for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Four distinct seasons
- The food scene scene is improving
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for couples. Good luck with whatever you decide..
5 upvotes
happy_violet50
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 9 years. Moved from Boston for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is solid - we have ski resorts 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 hit or miss. 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. Property taxes are high. Road conditions need improvement. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
4 upvotes
Ezra Jimenez
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is food scene. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Worth doing your research before committing.
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