Hey folks, Average temperature is around 47--F, so expect cold winters. The unemployment rate is 0.5%, which is pretty low. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Has anyone dealt with this? I'd say it's better for families than young singles. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
0 upvotes
12 Replies
Liam Wright
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I have mixed feelings honestly. Internet is decent in most areas.
40 upvotes
Lydia Howard
Came here for quality of life and stayed because I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The dating scene is honestly surprisingly good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
35 upvotes
charlotte_heart
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in Downtown area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
31 upvotes
Xavier
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it's not perfect but it works for me. Compared to Raleigh it's improving.
25 upvotes
Liam Williams
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 2 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
24 upvotes
Donna N.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Salt Lake City and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Uptown. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in real estate. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like seafood.
No regrets on my end..
24 upvotes
Ezekiel Foster
Saving this thread
20 upvotes
minneapolis_robert
I've lived in Lakewood for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Portland, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The weather scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
19 upvotes
Sadie E.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 34, moved here 6 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Great outdoor activities nearby
3. Good schools in most areas
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The cultural scene situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for young professionals. tough vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 Chicago, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $90K-$130K 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.
15 upvotes
Vivian Thomas
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I genuinely enjoy living here. Internet is average in most areas.
9 upvotes
Isabelle M.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Portland about 5 years ago. The main reasons were work and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are wild, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
5 upvotes
Aiden Collins
Came here for quality of life and stayed because the quality of life is solid. The job market is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
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