Been meaning to ask this. My family moved here when I was a kid. Household incomes average around $92,920 in Lomita. Homes are going for about $792,100 on average. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
9 upvotes
14 Replies
Frances R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 52, moved here 10 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The food scene situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for remote workers. tough vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 pricey. You can live comfortably on $60K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
40 upvotes
Alexander Campbell
Used to live on the Lakewood side, now on the Oak Park side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
36 upvotes
Aaron Mitchell
Bought a house here in 2018 and I genuinely enjoy living here. Property values have gone about the same since then.
36 upvotes
Aaron R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 1 years. Moved from Nashville for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. 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:**
finance is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is average - 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. North schools are solid. 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. Property taxes are high. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
Joseph Ramirez
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.
26 upvotes
Amber A.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Raleigh about 8 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Four distinct seasons
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are reasonable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
26 upvotes
la_elizabeth
I'm a contractor and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. The community is challenging and there's always something going on.
21 upvotes
Liam Smith
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in The Heights for 1 years. Moved from Nashville for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth down slightly 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:**
marketing is strong here. government 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 improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is solid - 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. The Heights 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. Winters are long and cold. Far from beaches/mountains. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
Adeline T.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Boston about 7 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are affordable, gas is decent.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Hope this helps!.
13 upvotes
Kennedy
seconding this
12 upvotes
lalocal2025
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is dating scene. it's exactly what I was looking for. Worth doing your research before committing.
10 upvotes
Ava Nguyen
spot on
3 upvotes
Ian Smith
We moved here with our family and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Schools in Greenfield area are excellent. Kids love it here.
3 upvotes
Madelyn Morales
Used to live on the The Heights side, now on the Eastside side. Completely different vibe. it exceeded my expectations.
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