All Countries
Abigail Cooper
qa
Best restaurants in Lockport?
Anyone else feel this way? Poverty rate is 13.5%, which is around average. Thoughts? Cheers.
9 upvotes
14 Replies
Isaiah Lewis
My experience has been mostly positive. it's improved dramatically in recent years. The only thing I'd watch out for is job market. Other than that, No regrets on my end..
36 upvotes
oaklandlover2025
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is walkability. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Worth doing your research before committing.
31 upvotes
Hailey Evans
I've lived in Midtown for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good healthcare facilities
- The cost of living scene is average
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. Hope this helps!.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good healthcare facilities
- The cost of living scene is average
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. Hope this helps!.
30 upvotes
Mackenzie Cooper
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 2 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
I've been here 2 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
28 upvotes
Isaac Ward
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from LA about 15 years ago. The main reasons were school and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Affordable housing options
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are reasonable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Hope this helps!.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from LA about 15 years ago. The main reasons were school and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Affordable housing options
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are reasonable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Hope this helps!.
26 upvotes
Maverick Nelson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 44, moved here 10 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Pine Hills and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The school system situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for families. excellent 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 Portland, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K 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 chef, 44, moved here 10 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Pine Hills and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The school system situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for families. excellent 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 Portland, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K 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.
25 upvotes
Jameson Ross
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 12 years. Moved from Chicago for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2019 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is decent - 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. Springfield schools are improving. 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. Homeless population growing downtown. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Springfield for 12 years. Moved from Chicago for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2019 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is decent - 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. Springfield schools are improving. 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. Homeless population growing downtown. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
Zoe Turner
noted, appreciate it
12 upvotes
Joseph N.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 15 years. Moved from Phoenix for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. education 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 was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is solid - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are better than expected. 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. Bugs and humidity in summer. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Downtown for 15 years. Moved from Phoenix for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. education 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 was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is solid - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are better than expected. 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. Bugs and humidity in summer. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
11 upvotes
Jose Taylor
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it exceeded my expectations. Internet is improving in most areas.
11 upvotes
Daniel James
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 37, moved here 1 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in West and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Low crime in most neighborhoods
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The nightlife situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for remote workers. underrated 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 Seattle, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $50K-$90K 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.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 37, moved here 1 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in West and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Low crime in most neighborhoods
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The nightlife situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for remote workers. underrated 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 Seattle, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $50K-$90K 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.
11 upvotes
Weston Wood
Used to live on the Highland side, now on the Riverside side. Completely different vibe. it's not perfect but it works for me.
6 upvotes
Alexis D.
nah I disagree
5 upvotes
Gabriella
Used to live on the Eastside side, now on the Lakewood side. Completely different vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
1 upvotes