Been meaning to ask this. Rent is about $1,618/month for a decent place. Homes are going for about $404,600 on average. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Looking forward to hearing from you all. The suburbs are where most families end up.
1 upvotes
14 Replies
Andrew Smith
Moved here from Dallas about 11 years ago. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Still getting used to nightlife but Definitely worth checking out..
36 upvotes
Evan Sanchez
it depends on the neighborhood
30 upvotes
Carter M.
it depends on the neighborhood
29 upvotes
Sarah Kim
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 13 years here, that's my honest assessment.
26 upvotes
cool_valentina90
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 5 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2023 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. marketing 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 love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are better than expected. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
19 upvotes
Miles Richardson
Moved here last year, no regrets.
16 upvotes
Ian Baker
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
14 upvotes
Santiago Y.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Seattle about 4 years ago. The main reasons were work and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good airport with direct flights
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Urban sprawl is real
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are manageable, gas is solid.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
13 upvotes
Arianna Ortiz
I work in manufacturing here and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The job market for my field is underrated. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
13 upvotes
Austin Carter
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is walkability. I have mixed feelings honestly. Worth doing your research before committing.
12 upvotes
Skylar Reyes
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 4 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
7 upvotes
Aurora Ortiz
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely better than expected and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Fairview) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
7 upvotes
Parker Wilson
This.
5 upvotes
Anna Flores
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 2 years. Moved from Austin for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is decent - 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. Lakewood schools are solid. 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. Nightlife is limited. Dating scene is rough. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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