Not sure if this has been asked before, but My partner and I are The unemployment rate is 3.4%, which is pretty low. The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Am I wrong here? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
60 upvotes
28 Replies
Robert Collins
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Internet is tough in most areas.
39 upvotes
Jack B.
same here
38 upvotes
Bennett J.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, the quality of life is solid. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
35 upvotes
Gianna Bennett
Came here for weather and stayed because I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The healthcare is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
35 upvotes
Alice H.
I've lived in Meadowbrook for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong job market in several industries
- The school system scene is decent
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
34 upvotes
Owen Wilson
I've lived in Greenfield for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Salt Lake City, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The job market scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for singles. No regrets on my end..
34 upvotes
Willow Alvarez
Came here for cost of living and stayed because it's exactly what I was looking for. The nightlife is honestly excellent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
33 upvotes
Dylan
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Nashville and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in West. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in construction. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Definitely worth checking out..
23 upvotes
Madeline
this is the way
23 upvotes
David G.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Feel free to reach out with questions..
23 upvotes
Elizabeth
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is outdoor recreation. I have mixed feelings honestly. Worth doing your research before committing.
21 upvotes
atl_connor
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in Highland area are excellent. Kids love it here.
20 upvotes
Mia M.
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 2 years here, that's my honest assessment.
15 upvotes
Michael Brown
100%
13 upvotes
houston_eva
I've lived in Riverside for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Diverse dining options
- The traffic scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. Hope this helps!.
10 upvotes
Nathan Gutierrez
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Good luck with whatever you decide..
10 upvotes
Connor Collins
glad someone said it
10 upvotes
Ellie L.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 1 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2021 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Uptown 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. Winters are long and cold. Chain restaurants dominate. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
8 upvotes
Santiago Roberts
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want public transit, then yeah this place is great. But if school system matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
6 upvotes
Alexa
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 7 years. Moved from Miami for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. 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 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. consulting 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:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is improving - 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. Lakewood 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. Property taxes are high. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, 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.
6 upvotes
Emma Collins
Saving this thread
5 upvotes
Willow Walker
I'm a writer and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is solid and there's always something going on.
5 upvotes
Scarlett Hill
I work in finance here and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market for my field is improving. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
3 upvotes
Wesley Kim
My experience has been mostly positive. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The only thing I'd watch out for is pet-friendliness. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
2 upvotes
Violet Wood
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I love the pace of life here. Compared to San Diego it's better than expected.
2 upvotes
Aaliyah Howard
couldn't agree more
1 upvotes
Colton Garcia
honestly same experience here
0 upvotes
Roman Wood
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Chicago and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Fairview. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in real estate. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Asian.
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