Hey everyone, My partner and I are The unemployment rate is 3.3%, which is pretty low. You can expect to pay around $2,014 for rent here. The median home value here is around $725,400, which is pretty steep. The weather takes some getting used to. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Property taxes are high but you get good services. What are your go-to spots? Thanks in advance! It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
1 upvotes
15 Replies
Chloe Sanchez
My experience has been mostly positive. I love the pace of life here. The only thing I'd watch out for is cost of living. Other than that, It's not for everyone but it works for us..
39 upvotes
Adam Green
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 42, moved here 11 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Maple Ridge and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The public transit situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for singles. excellent vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Boston, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
39 upvotes
Lydia Cook
I've lived in Lakewood for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The pet-friendliness scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for young professionals. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
37 upvotes
Dominic Nelson
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it's not perfect but it works for me. Compared to Seattle it's challenging.
37 upvotes
Lily M.
I work in legal here and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The job market for my field is decent. Good luck with whatever you decide..
33 upvotes
Brooklyn
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
31 upvotes
nashvillefan2024
great question, following
31 upvotes
Owen
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from New York and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Meadowbrook. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
30 upvotes
Benjamin Ruiz
I work in education here and it's exactly what I was looking for. The job market for my field is hit or miss. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
27 upvotes
miami_emma
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Internet is challenging in most areas.
26 upvotes
Jordan Alvarez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely excellent and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (West) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. weather 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.
19 upvotes
Joseph C.
I've lived in Springfield for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Salt Lake City, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good airport with direct flights
- The housing market scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. Good luck with whatever you decide..
17 upvotes
Jaxon Wood
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely better than expected and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Fairview) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
13 upvotes
Hudson Adams
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Happy to answer more specific questions..
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