Average temperature is around 48--F, so expect cold winters. You can expect to pay around $1,683 for rent here. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
0 upvotes
14 Replies
atl_isaac
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely average and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Dallas, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
39 upvotes
Zoey Phillips
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from San Diego about 3 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good schools in most areas
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are reasonable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Definitely worth checking out..
31 upvotes
Maya K.
The food scene here is better than expected. Tons of great Thai places. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
29 upvotes
Jose K.
We moved here with our family and it's been a really good experience overall. Schools in Lakewood area are challenging. Kids love it here.
27 upvotes
Dominic R.
not my experience at all
18 upvotes
Kathryn J.
I'm a teacher and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The community is underrated and there's always something going on.
17 upvotes
Allison Chavez
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Compared to Seattle it's hit or miss.
17 upvotes
portland_cooper
We moved here with our family and it's not perfect but it works for me. Schools in Old Town area are decent. Kids love it here.
14 upvotes
Weston Ramos
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 9 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
10 upvotes
Kinsley G.
Saving this thread
9 upvotes
Joshua Evans
I'm a nurse and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is solid and there's always something going on.
7 upvotes
Ellie Cook
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 38, moved here 10 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in The Heights and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The food scene situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for retirees. average vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Chicago, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$120K 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.
4 upvotes
indypapa2021
Used to live on the The Heights side, now on the Springfield side. Completely different vibe. it's exactly what I was looking for.
All Countries
