Not sure if this has been asked before, but Military spouse here. Homes are going for about $156,000 on average. Household incomes average around $58,940 in Norwalk. It's a a small town city with about 17,054 people. With a population of 17,054, Norwalk is a small town. You can expect to pay around $804 for rent here. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
Pros:
- Friendly people
- Good schools
- Plenty of shopping options
- Good airport connections
Cons:
- Rising rent prices
- Limited nightlife
- Boring for young people
- Chain restaurants dominate
Let me know your thoughts. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The city has invested a lot in new development. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
1 upvotes
15 Replies
Vivian
I've lived in Lakewood for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Strong job market in several industries
- The dating scene scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Can feel isolated
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. Definitely worth checking out..
40 upvotes
Ian Hernandez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness 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.
38 upvotes
Eliana Perez
Came here for weather and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The walkability is honestly underrated and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
37 upvotes
Evan J.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 10 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into running, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
35 upvotes
Sophie Moore
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 3 years. Moved from Charlotte for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. 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 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. tech 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:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset schools are surprisingly good. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
Ava Myers
exactly what I was thinking
30 upvotes
Jackson Lopez
I'm a lawyer and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. The community is challenging and there's always something going on.
20 upvotes
Easton A.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 46, moved here 1 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Old Town and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Close to major attractions
2. Diverse dining options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The public transit situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for young professionals. challenging 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 excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $70K-$110K 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
Joseph
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I genuinely enjoy living here. Internet is decent in most areas.
18 upvotes
Peter L.
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
16 upvotes
Aria Hall
Used to live on the Downtown side, now on the Oak Park side. Completely different vibe. it was the best decision I ever made.
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