Not sure if this has been asked before, but I've been here for 1 years and You can expect to pay around $1,866 for rent here. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. What would you do? Looking forward to hearing from you all. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
11 upvotes
14 Replies
Olivia Wright
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Phoenix and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Lakewood. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in marketing. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Definitely worth checking out..
35 upvotes
Paisley Collins
We moved here with our family and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Schools in Downtown area are better than expected. Kids love it here.
31 upvotes
Luca
Came here for retirement and stayed because I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The cost of living is honestly better than expected and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
17 upvotes
Cora Campbell
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Compared to Dallas it's solid.
16 upvotes
Gregory G.
The food scene here is underrated. Tons of great sushi places. it's been a really good experience overall.
15 upvotes
Mason R.
honestly same experience here
14 upvotes
Quinn King
great question, following
11 upvotes
John Gutierrez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 28, moved here 6 years ago from Boston. I've lived in South and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Nice parks and green spaces
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The healthcare situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for families. tough vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Boston, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $100K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
9 upvotes
Janice N.
hard disagree but ok
7 upvotes
John Nelson
I've been living here for 12 years and I'd say it's exactly what I was looking for. The nightlife is excellent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..
6 upvotes
Jose White
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 2 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
5 upvotes
Kaylee Ramos
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Tampa about 15 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Four distinct seasons
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are reasonable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
5 upvotes
Matthew F.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is food scene. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Worth doing your research before committing.
2 upvotes
Luke M.
I've been living here for 8 years and I'd say it was the best decision I ever made. The community vibe is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
All Countries
