Median household income is $141,938, which feels pretty solid for the area. Average temperature is around 51--F, so expect cold winters. Poverty rate is 2.1%, which is pretty low. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The weather takes some getting used to. Am I wrong here? Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The weather takes some getting used to. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
8 upvotes
10 Replies
Mateo Jackson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely better than expected and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Sunset) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. weather 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.
38 upvotes
Avery Alvarez
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Compared to San Diego it's solid.
37 upvotes
atllocal2024
This.
32 upvotes
Isabella Reyes
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 45, moved here 4 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Uptown and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The food scene situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for singles. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $100K-$100K 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.
32 upvotes
Zoe Cook
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I have mixed feelings honestly. Internet is decent in most areas.
27 upvotes
charlotte_jameson
Used to live on the Oak Park side, now on the Lakewood side. Completely different vibe. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
27 upvotes
Aurora Carter
Came here for cost of living and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community vibe is honestly better than expected and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
16 upvotes
Ethan Jones
The food scene here is improving. Tons of great sushi places. I genuinely enjoy living here.
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