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Isabelle Gray
living
The good and bad of living in Lockport
Is this normal for Lockport? The suburbs are where most families end up.
21 upvotes
25 Replies
Nora Sanders
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Maple Ridge. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in construction. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Maple Ridge. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in construction. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
40 upvotes
Josiah T.
preach
40 upvotes
Chloe Peterson
As someone who grew up here, it's improved dramatically in recent years. A lot has changed in the past few years though. food scene used to be much manageable but now it's decent.
40 upvotes
Alexa Gray
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Miami about 15 years ago. The main reasons were weather and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are stable, gas is decent.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Miami about 15 years ago. The main reasons were weather and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are stable, gas is decent.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
39 upvotes
atllocal2024
I've lived in Springfield 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 Tampa, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Four distinct seasons
- The food scene scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Summers can be brutally hot
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for singles. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Tampa, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Four distinct seasons
- The food scene scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Summers can be brutally hot
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for singles. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
38 upvotes
Violet Brooks
it depends on the neighborhood
37 upvotes
Zoe Martin
Moved here last year, no regrets.
37 upvotes
Silas Thomas
The food scene here is better than expected. Tons of great seafood places. it exceeded my expectations.
35 upvotes
Elijah J.
Bought a house here in 2017 and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
31 upvotes
Audrey
wish I knew this sooner
29 upvotes
Adrian Brown
I've lived in Downtown for about 2 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 pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Lots of new development happening
- The cultural scene scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for families. Definitely worth checking out..
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Lots of new development happening
- The cultural scene scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for families. Definitely worth checking out..
28 upvotes
Brooks Parker
spot on
27 upvotes
Emily P.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I genuinely enjoy living here. Compared to Raleigh it's underrated.
25 upvotes
Addison Martinez
hmm interesting perspective
25 upvotes
Isaiah Campbell
Can confirm, been here 14 years.
14 upvotes
Thomas Jackson
The food scene here is pretty good. Tons of great Asian places. it's exactly what I was looking for.
14 upvotes
Aurora W.
I work in legal here and I genuinely enjoy living here. The job market for my field is improving. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
13 upvotes
Logan Nelson
Totally agree!
11 upvotes
Eva
We moved here with our family and it's not perfect but it works for me. Schools in Cedar Grove area are better than expected. Kids love it here.
7 upvotes
Caleb H.
following this thread
7 upvotes
Camila Roberts
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 9 years here, that's my honest assessment.
6 upvotes
Mia W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 48, moved here 1 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Eastside and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Can feel isolated
3. The nightlife situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for young professionals. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$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.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 48, moved here 1 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Eastside and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Can feel isolated
3. The nightlife situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for young professionals. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$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.
6 upvotes
Jordan Clark
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it's not perfect but it works for me. Compared to Houston it's average.
5 upvotes
Sophia Evans
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from San Diego about 1 years ago. The main reasons were weather and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are wild, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Happy to answer more specific questions..
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from San Diego about 1 years ago. The main reasons were weather and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are wild, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Happy to answer more specific questions..
3 upvotes
Elijah
thanks for sharing
2 upvotes