I'm a 51-year-old marketing manager and Poverty rate is 11.1%, which is around average. Average temperature is around 51--F, so expect cold winters. It's a a mid-size city city with about 115K people. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Am I wrong here? People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The suburbs are where most families end up. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The city has invested a lot in new development. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
55 upvotes
28 Replies
Nevaeh
My experience has been mostly positive. it's been a really good experience overall. The only thing I'd watch out for is cultural scene. Other than that, Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
40 upvotes
Emmett R.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it was the best decision I ever made. Internet is better than expected in most areas.
40 upvotes
Lillian Hill
I've lived in Uptown for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good healthcare facilities
- The traffic scene is improving
The downsides:
- Dating scene is rough
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. No regrets on my end..
40 upvotes
Billy J.
Weather-wise, the summers are average and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
39 upvotes
Noah Gonzalez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely average and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Midtown) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Dating scene is rough.
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.
38 upvotes
Maverick
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 1 years. Moved from Nashville for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. government 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:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is pretty good - 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. Lakewood 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Winters are long and cold. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Luna White
as a local I can confirm
38 upvotes
David Davis
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Atlanta and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Springfield. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in marketing. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Definitely worth checking out..
37 upvotes
Clara Richardson
I work in government here and it's exactly what I was looking for. The job market for my field is improving. Feel free to reach out with questions..
37 upvotes
Jameson P.
100%
36 upvotes
Aubrey A.
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
31 upvotes
Lucy N.
seconding this
30 upvotes
Aurora Robinson
I've lived in Midtown for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Lots of new development happening
- Good airport with direct flights
- The weather scene is average
The downsides:
- Limited shopping options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. Happy to answer more specific questions..
29 upvotes
David A.
Used to live on the Old Town side, now on the Springfield side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.
28 upvotes
Autumn Bennett
I've been living here for 4 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The cost of living is pretty good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Happy to answer more specific questions..
26 upvotes
Elizabeth Torres
My experience has been mostly positive. it's been a really good experience overall. The only thing I'd watch out for is healthcare. Other than that, Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
26 upvotes
Oliver Rodriguez
I've lived in Sunset for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Decent public transit for the size
- The healthcare scene is tough
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Hope this helps!.
25 upvotes
Clara Richardson
interesting, hadn't considered that
25 upvotes
Genesis Flores
yep
22 upvotes
Oliver Lopez
honestly same experience here
22 upvotes
Evan Turner
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 6 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. 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 decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
20 upvotes
Aurora R.
facts
20 upvotes
Scarlett Williams
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 4 years here, that's my honest assessment.
16 upvotes
Owen Ramos
Public transit is solid here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
10 upvotes
Michael Cruz
I'm a nurse and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is excellent and there's always something going on.
9 upvotes
Ezra Diaz
+1
5 upvotes
Quinn Jimenez
following this thread
5 upvotes
Clara Thomas
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 6 years. Moved from Houston for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have mountains 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 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. Rising rent and home prices. Chain restaurants dominate. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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