Not sure if this has been asked before, but It's a a small town city with about 3,800 people. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The suburbs are where most families end up. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
4 upvotes
10 Replies
milwaukeechef2020
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Portland 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 Eastside. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in marketing. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Southern.
No regrets on my end..
36 upvotes
Samuel Wood
I've been living here for 6 years and I'd say it's exactly what I was looking for. The pet-friendliness is better than expected compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
32 upvotes
Amelia King
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Chicago about 11 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are wild, gas is tough.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
32 upvotes
Nicholas Carter
My experience has been mostly positive. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The only thing I'd watch out for is school system. Other than that, Would recommend to anyone considering it..
26 upvotes
Bennett M.
interesting, hadn't considered that
26 upvotes
fresnolocal2023
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is healthcare. it's not perfect but it works for me. Worth doing your research before committing.
21 upvotes
Jameson Wood
interesting, hadn't considered that
20 upvotes
Valentina Clark
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 11 years. Moved from San Francisco for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is tough - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South 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. Nightlife is limited. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
15 upvotes
Grace H.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 45, moved here 11 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Lakewood and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The nightlife situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for remote workers. decent vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Portland, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $100K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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
Ruby Hughes
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is traffic. it exceeded my expectations. Worth doing your research before committing.
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