Longtime lurker here, I'm a 47-year-old firefighter and It's a a small town city with about 13,765 people. The unemployment rate is 2.5%, which is pretty low. Rent is about $756/month for a decent place. The median home value here is around $147,200, which is actually reasonable. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The suburbs are where most families end up. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The city has invested a lot in new development. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
14 upvotes
2 Replies
Jack O.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 34, moved here 6 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Lakewood and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The outdoor recreation situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for couples. underrated 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 San Francisco, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
19 upvotes
portland_jacob
I've been living here for 12 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The weather is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
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