Random thought, We have two kids and Median household income is $47,681, which feels on the lower side for the area. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Anyone in a similar situation? Thanks in advance!
10 upvotes
9 Replies
Leo W.
Can confirm, been here 8 years.
40 upvotes
Lillian R.
I work in education here and it's exactly what I was looking for. The job market for my field is tough. No regrets on my end..
35 upvotes
Isaiah Kelly
seconding this
35 upvotes
born_emily79
yeah no that's not right
32 upvotes
Zoe Hall
+1
29 upvotes
Chloe Peterson
I've been living here for 10 years and I'd say it was the best decision I ever made. The traffic is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
24 upvotes
Piper S.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Nashville 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 underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in construction. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Definitely worth checking out..
14 upvotes
Nova Myers
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 45, moved here 1 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Riverside and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The traffic situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for young professionals. decent vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Dallas, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $100K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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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