OK so My family moved here when I was a kid. Average temperature is around 77°F, so it's warm year-round. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. What are your go-to spots? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
26 upvotes
10 Replies
Axel Gomez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 43, moved here 11 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Greenfield and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The public transit situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for retirees. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 Raleigh, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $50K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
34 upvotes
mountain_kaylee69
it depends on the neighborhood
33 upvotes
Axel M.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely excellent and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Fairview) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Miami, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
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.
29 upvotes
Mason B.
I've lived in Riverside for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Diverse dining options
- The food scene scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Winters are long and cold
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. Happy to answer more specific questions..
15 upvotes
Alexa Ruiz
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want food scene, then yeah this place is great. But if pet-friendliness matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
14 upvotes
Willie T.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 10 years. Moved from Seattle for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is average - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Uptown schools are improving. 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. Winters are long and cold. Rising rent and home prices. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
10 upvotes
Ruby Smith
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I have mixed feelings honestly. Good luck with whatever you decide..
10 upvotes
Christian W.
We moved here with our family and I genuinely enjoy living here. Schools in Midtown area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
4 upvotes
Jayden Roberts
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 13 years. Moved from Atlanta for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have rivers 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 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. Nightlife is limited. Dating scene is rough. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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