Thinking about relocating to Lorain from Kansas City
We have two kids and Homes are going for about $123,500 on average. Poverty rate is 21.0%, which is higher than I expected. The median home value here is around $123,500, which is actually reasonable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Should I be concerned? There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
8 upvotes
7 Replies
Theodore Ortiz
bump
34 upvotes
Elijah G.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 15 years. Moved from Denver for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is decent - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are underrated. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Can feel isolated. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
Noah Brown
following this thread
22 upvotes
Addison Y.
The food scene here is hit or miss. Tons of great Korean places. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
19 upvotes
Eleanor Collins
I've been living here for 2 years and I'd say I genuinely enjoy living here. The job market is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
16 upvotes
sdchef2020
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 53, moved here 10 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The public transit situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for retirees. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Phoenix, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $60K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
15 upvotes
Jayden D.
I work in real estate here and it's not perfect but it works for me. The job market for my field is pretty good. Good luck with whatever you decide..
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