Alright, Homes are going for about $660,700 on average. Rent is about $1,771/month for a decent place. Crime rate is something to consider -Montebello sits at 284.1 per 100K. The median home value here is around $660,700, which is pretty steep. Poverty rate is 9.3%, which is pretty low. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
Pros:
- Affordable cost of living
- Low taxes
- Lots of new development
- Active local events
- Good airport connections
Cons:
- Limited public transit
- Limited nightlife
- Sprawl everywhere
- Homelessness issues downtown
Am I wrong here? Cheers. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The food scene here is surprisingly good. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
28 upvotes
14 Replies
Arianna Parker
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in Uptown area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
39 upvotes
Samuel Martinez
Public transit is solid here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it was the best decision I ever made.
38 upvotes
Madelyn Allen
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want traffic, then yeah this place is great. But if cost of living matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
32 upvotes
Stella S.
not my experience at all
30 upvotes
Bennett Wilson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely better than expected and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Eastside) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
26 upvotes
Arianna Alvarez
yep
22 upvotes
Christopher G.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 56, moved here 10 years ago from New York. I've lived in Pine Hills and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The cultural scene situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for singles. solid vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 New York, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $70K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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
Josiah Bailey
seconding this
17 upvotes
Nolan Ramirez
bump
13 upvotes
Landon D.
I've lived in South for about 2 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 Charlotte, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Lots of new development happening
- Four distinct seasons
- The nightlife scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for young professionals. Hope this helps!.
12 upvotes
Paisley C.
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 Dallas for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have lakes 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 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Urban sprawl is real. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
9 upvotes
milwaukee_jackson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 55, moved here 2 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Riverside and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The safety situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for families. improving vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Austin, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
6 upvotes
Dorothy F.
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. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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