So, Just moved here 13 months ago and The unemployment rate is 1.6%, which is pretty low. Homes are going for about $320,300 on average. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The weather takes some getting used to.
7 upvotes
16 Replies
Grayson Lee
hmm interesting perspective
40 upvotes
Grayson L.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely tough and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Sunset) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe 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.
39 upvotes
Audrey Gray
Used to live on the Maple Ridge side, now on the Springfield side. Completely different vibe. I have mixed feelings honestly.
36 upvotes
Ariana Robinson
Used to live on the Springfield side, now on the North side. Completely different vibe. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
36 upvotes
Andrea K.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
35 upvotes
Matthew James
Moved here last year, no regrets.
33 upvotes
Robert C.
yeah no that's not right
29 upvotes
Emilia Rodriguez
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
27 upvotes
Lillian Turner
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Lakewood. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Thai.
No regrets on my end..
27 upvotes
Isaiah W.
not my experience at all
24 upvotes
Noah Parker
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Chicago about 14 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good schools in most areas
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are reasonable, gas is decent.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
22 upvotes
Jace
facts
21 upvotes
Leo Nguyen
I've lived in East for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- The pet-friendliness scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Summers can be brutally hot
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for families. No regrets on my end..
19 upvotes
Ruby Mitchell
as a local I can confirm
15 upvotes
desert_willow14
big facts right here
9 upvotes
Piper Robinson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 26, moved here 2 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in East and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Limited public transit options
3. The weather situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for young professionals. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
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