Longtime lurker here, With a population of 84,304, Newport Beach is a smaller city. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Would love some local perspective. The suburbs are where most families end up. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
25 upvotes
6 Replies
Gabriel Gonzalez
I've lived in Lakewood for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The job market scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Bugs and humidity in summer
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for remote workers. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
32 upvotes
Jonathan
Moved here from Salt Lake City about 15 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to public transit but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
32 upvotes
Ronald R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 1 years. Moved from LA for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2016 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are decent. 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 high-paying job options. Property taxes are high. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
28 upvotes
Olivia Ramos
The food scene here is improving. Tons of great Korean places. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
12 upvotes
Jace
good to know, thanks
4 upvotes
Daniel Nelson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 14 years. Moved from San Francisco for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Springfield 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Dating scene is rough. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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