Hi all, I'm a remote worker and Homes are going for about $306,100 on average. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. What do you all think? The city has invested a lot in new development. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
3 upvotes
9 Replies
Jayden
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 56, moved here 8 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Downtown and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally solid - 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 competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for couples. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Tampa, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
22 upvotes
Sophie Harris
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I love the pace of life here. Good luck with whatever you decide..
16 upvotes
Charlotte Chavez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely tough and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (The Heights) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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
John Taylor
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from San Diego and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Pine Hills. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
15 upvotes
Jackson Torres
Used to live on the Fairview side, now on the Lakewood side. Completely different vibe. it's not perfect but it works for me.
12 upvotes
Kaylee Rogers
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 5 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
7 upvotes
Audrey Ortiz
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 38, moved here 12 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Old Town and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Active local events and festivals
2. Affordable housing options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Limited shopping options
3. The public transit situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for remote workers. challenging vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Baltimore, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$130K 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.
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