OK so Rent is about $1,798/month for a decent place. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The suburbs are where most families end up. What neighborhoods would you suggest? Any help is appreciated. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
6 upvotes
27 Replies
Michael Rogers
My experience has been mostly positive. it's improved dramatically in recent years. The only thing I'd watch out for is healthcare. Other than that, Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
39 upvotes
Riley Evans
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 3 years. Moved from Boston for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. 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 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. tech 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:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is decent - 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. Lakewood 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. Road conditions need improvement. Far from beaches/mountains. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Vivian Murphy
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 2 years. Moved from San Diego for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. healthcare 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 improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is improving - 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. Riverside schools are challenging. 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. Limited shopping options. Far from beaches/mountains. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Sophia
wish I knew this sooner
39 upvotes
Owen Scott
This.
38 upvotes
Isaac Phillips
Bought a house here in 2019 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
38 upvotes
jeremiah_soul
We moved here with our family and it's been a really good experience overall. Schools in Uptown area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
36 upvotes
Miles Brooks
facts
35 upvotes
Everett Peterson
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in Highland area are excellent. Kids love it here.
34 upvotes
Brielle S.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Internet is improving in most areas.
33 upvotes
nashville_jacob
We moved here with our family and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Schools in North area are average. Kids love it here.
30 upvotes
Brielle Castillo
following this thread
27 upvotes
Allison Lee
underrated comment
26 upvotes
Adeline Cox
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Minneapolis about 15 years ago. The main reasons were family and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Active local events and festivals
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are developing, gas is pretty good.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Definitely worth checking out..
21 upvotes
Hazel Gutierrez
accurate
21 upvotes
John S.
haha yep pretty much
19 upvotes
Hunter Smith
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I love the pace of life here. Compared to New York it's tough.
18 upvotes
Mia Thompson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely improving and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Fairview) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Nashville, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour 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.
16 upvotes
Jonathan
I've lived in Downtown for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- The dating scene scene is average
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for retirees. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
15 upvotes
Brielle Sanchez
Came here for weather and stayed because I'm still on the fence after all this time. The school system is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
14 upvotes
Elena Adams
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 15 years. Moved from Miami for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2021 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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. Meadowbrook 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Homeless population growing downtown. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
14 upvotes
Jack T.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cost of living, then yeah this place is great. But if job market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
13 upvotes
Olivia
Bought a house here in 2023 and I genuinely enjoy living here. Property values have gone about the same since then.
11 upvotes
Aaron Mendoza
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. Definitely worth checking out..
8 upvotes
Ariana Walker
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Maple Ridge for 7 years. Moved from Baltimore for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. consulting 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:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Maple Ridge schools are surprisingly good. 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. Nightlife is limited. Limited entertainment options. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
8 upvotes
Eliana Wright
exactly what I was thinking
7 upvotes
Michael Howard
Used to live on the Highland side, now on the Westside side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
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