First post here. My partner and I are Homes are going for about $319,000 on average. You can expect to pay around $1,823 for rent here. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The city has invested a lot in new development. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The weather takes some getting used to. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
15 upvotes
30 Replies
Josiah Gutierrez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 48, moved here 15 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Fairview and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The cultural scene situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for families. decent vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Denver, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
39 upvotes
bostondude2022
100%
38 upvotes
Olivia Sanchez
We moved here with our family and the quality of life is solid. Schools in Midtown area are improving. Kids love it here.
37 upvotes
Gregory G.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 9 years. Moved from Atlanta for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset schools are challenging. 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. Bugs and humidity in summer. Far from beaches/mountains. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Elizabeth
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely excellent and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Fairview) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Nashville, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene 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.
31 upvotes
Sebastian Gomez
exactly what I was thinking
30 upvotes
John Nelson
I've lived in Lakewood for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The food scene scene is average
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for couples. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
29 upvotes
Ryan Patel
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely hit or miss and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (The Heights) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Nashville, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
23 upvotes
James
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 36, moved here 9 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Riverside and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The dating scene situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for retirees. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Houston, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $50K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
22 upvotes
Owen
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from LA and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in North. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in retail. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like Southern.
No regrets on my end..
19 upvotes
Violet Ramos
hard disagree but ok
19 upvotes
Adrian Ward
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Portland about 12 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Four distinct seasons
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are reasonable, gas is decent.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
19 upvotes
Daniel Kelly
Hot take but I genuinely enjoy living here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 6 years here, that's my honest assessment.
18 upvotes
benjamin_runner
Moved here from Minneapolis about 7 years ago. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Still getting used to cultural scene but No regrets on my end..
17 upvotes
Nova Richardson
Totally agree!
17 upvotes
Cameron Moore
I've been living here for 2 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The dating scene is better than expected compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
16 upvotes
Maverick K.
As someone who grew up here, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. A lot has changed in the past few years though. weather used to be much developing but now it's better than expected.
15 upvotes
Clara Nguyen
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Portland, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Strong job market in several industries
- The community vibe scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
15 upvotes
Evan
Public transit is pretty good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
13 upvotes
Natalie T.
facts
12 upvotes
Bennett Foster
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Atlanta and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in The Heights. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in tech. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
12 upvotes
nashville_isabelle
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 the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Highland) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
12 upvotes
Bella
yep
12 upvotes
tulsa_mia
We moved here with our family and it's exactly what I was looking for. Schools in Cedar Grove area are decent. Kids love it here.
10 upvotes
Olivia Cox
I've been living here for 1 years and I'd say it's improved dramatically in recent years. The healthcare is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
6 upvotes
Thomas Young
Used to live on the The Heights side, now on the South side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
6 upvotes
Henry W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 37, moved here 11 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The walkability situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for young professionals. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $40K-$140K 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.
6 upvotes
Emilia Cox
seconding this
1 upvotes
Ava Cook
bump
0 upvotes
William Johnson
Moved here from LA about 1 years ago. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Still getting used to pet-friendliness but No regrets on my end..
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