Random thought, I grew up here but left for a while. The unemployment rate is 3.5%, which is pretty low. The median home value here is around $230,100, which is actually reasonable. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Anyone in a similar situation?
12 upvotes
10 Replies
Katherine Nguyen
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely improving and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Downtown) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
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.
36 upvotes
Dylan M.
yeah no that's not right
34 upvotes
Maya Mitchell
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 44, moved here 9 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Midtown and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Low crime in most neighborhoods
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The dating scene situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for young professionals. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 San Diego, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
33 upvotes
Evan Reed
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 13 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good healthcare facilities
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are manageable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Good luck with whatever you decide..
27 upvotes
Isaac Gonzalez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 14 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
23 upvotes
Ryan Ruiz
Moved here last year, no regrets.
19 upvotes
Miles
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 Atlanta for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2021 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is solid - we have mountains 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 decent. 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. Far from beaches/mountains. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Genesis Thompson
Used to live on the Eastside side, now on the Oak Park side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
9 upvotes
kennedy_mind
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 7 years. Moved from Phoenix for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is average - 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. Uptown schools are improving. 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. Limited public transit options. Limited entertainment options. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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