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Greyson Reed
moving
Considering Monrovia vs Raleigh -help me decide
Hey everyone, I grew up here but left for a while. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
6 upvotes
7 Replies
Carter Kelly
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 42, moved here 12 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The healthcare situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for young professionals. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Diego, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$90K 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.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 42, moved here 12 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The healthcare situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for young professionals. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Diego, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$90K 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.
39 upvotes
Piper Torres
Used to live on the Westside side, now on the Eastside side. Completely different vibe. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
39 upvotes
Robert R.
big facts right here
24 upvotes
Jack Smith
Came here for cost of living and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The housing market is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
17 upvotes
Jose Harris
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 3 years ago. The main reasons were weather and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Decent public transit for the size
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are established, gas is improving.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Happy to answer more specific questions..
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 3 years ago. The main reasons were weather and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Decent public transit for the size
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are established, gas is improving.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Happy to answer more specific questions..
12 upvotes
Katherine M.
Moved here from San Francisco about 8 years ago. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Still getting used to cost of living but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
11 upvotes
Jonathan Edwards
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 9 years. Moved from LA for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. finance 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:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is average - we have state parks 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 solid. 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. Limited public transit options. Chain restaurants dominate. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Lakewood for 9 years. Moved from LA for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. finance 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:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is average - we have state parks 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 solid. 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. Limited public transit options. Chain restaurants dominate. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
4 upvotes