So, Born and raised here. You can expect to pay around $1,750 for rent here. Homes are going for about $459,000 on average. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
9 upvotes
14 Replies
Doris H.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Internet is challenging in most areas.
28 upvotes
Scarlett M.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely challenging and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Eastside) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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
Colton Scott
accurate
25 upvotes
George L.
I've been living here for 10 years and I'd say it's exactly what I was looking for. The walkability is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
23 upvotes
Sadie R.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
20 upvotes
Gabriel T.
exactly what I was thinking
15 upvotes
Wyatt Ruiz
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely decent and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Nashville, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
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.
13 upvotes
James Thompson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 2 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
11 upvotes
Everett Turner
I've lived in Lakewood for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good schools in most areas
- The dating scene scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. Definitely worth checking out..
11 upvotes
Everett R.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Minneapolis and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Springfield. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in government. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Thai.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
9 upvotes
Liam J.
haha yep pretty much
6 upvotes
Eleanor Hernandez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 46, moved here 10 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Westside and Downtown, 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 challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The walkability situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for remote workers. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 Chicago, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$150K 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
Brooks Allen
Moved here from Austin about 7 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to pet-friendliness but Feel free to reach out with questions..
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