Curious what people think. We have two kids and It's a a small town city with about 2,914 people. Rent is about $1,350/month for a decent place. Average temperature is around 59--F, so the weather is moderate. The city has invested a lot in new development. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The suburbs are where most families end up. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
13 upvotes
10 Replies
William A.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 14 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
36 upvotes
Anna Rodriguez
exactly what I was thinking
30 upvotes
Clara L.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 3 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
28 upvotes
Valentina M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 38, moved here 10 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Lakewood and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Strong sense of community
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The job market situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for couples. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Houston, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $70K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
23 upvotes
Grace Wood
couldn't agree more
21 upvotes
Charlotte R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 14 years ago. The main reasons were school and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Lots of new development happening
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are affordable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. No regrets on my end..
18 upvotes
Daniel M.
literally same
13 upvotes
Christian Harris
been saying this for years
11 upvotes
Noah C.
big facts right here
10 upvotes
Willie C.
Used to live on the Midtown side, now on the Cedar Grove side. Completely different vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
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