So, Been living here since 2008. Average temperature is around 70--F, so the weather is moderate. The weather takes some getting used to. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
24 upvotes
30 Replies
Hailey T.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 49, moved here 3 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Downtown and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Good healthcare facilities
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The healthcare situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for couples. improving vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $70K-$70K 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.
40 upvotes
Paisley
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
38 upvotes
benjamin_mind
I've been living here for 12 years and I'd say there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor recreation is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
33 upvotes
Owen Johnson
Hot take but it's exactly what I was looking for. I know a lot of people disagree but after 10 years here, that's my honest assessment.
31 upvotes
Jeremiah
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely hit or miss and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Fairview) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. job market 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.
28 upvotes
Aubrey
literally same
25 upvotes
Landon Jones
as a local I can confirm
25 upvotes
Sophia
accurate
24 upvotes
Gabriella Brooks
lol so true
22 upvotes
Alan R.
I'm a HR manager and I've found the quality of life is solid. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
22 upvotes
Robert
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Internet is tough in most areas.
21 upvotes
Xavier Moore
yep
20 upvotes
Jordan Phillips
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Charlotte about 5 years ago. The main reasons were work and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are growing, gas is average.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
19 upvotes
Kennedy T.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
18 upvotes
Madelyn Roberts
I work in consulting here and I love the pace of life here. The job market for my field is underrated. No regrets on my end..
17 upvotes
Isaac Martinez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Chicago about 7 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Strong sense of community
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are affordable, gas is tough.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. No regrets on my end..
17 upvotes
Connor Reed
facts
16 upvotes
Emilia W.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want job market, then yeah this place is great. But if school system matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
15 upvotes
Aiden Parker
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
Autumn L.
+1
14 upvotes
Kayden K.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want job market, then yeah this place is great. But if job market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
13 upvotes
Caroline Flores
I've lived in Lakewood for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Good internet infrastructure
- The public transit scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Winters are long and cold
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
12 upvotes
Addison R.
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in Cedar Grove area are decent. Kids love it here.
10 upvotes
Rylee Alvarez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Raleigh about 13 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Active local events and festivals
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are established, gas is decent.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Definitely worth checking out..
9 upvotes
cincy_ezra
Moved here from Salt Lake City about 15 years ago. it's not perfect but it works for me. Still getting used to weather but Happy to answer more specific questions..
8 upvotes
Cooper C.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's exactly what I was looking for. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
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