Hey folks, Crime rate is something to consider -Port Orchard sits at 449.5 per 100K. What do you all think?
7 upvotes
14 Replies
Lily Taylor
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Nashville 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 hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
No regrets on my end..
39 upvotes
Thomas
This.
33 upvotes
Ezekiel Robinson
it depends on the neighborhood
32 upvotes
Leonardo K.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Atlanta about 6 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are established, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
27 upvotes
Ava Morgan
My experience has been mostly positive. I love the pace of life here. The only thing I'd watch out for is public transit. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
27 upvotes
Isaac R.
Came here for work and stayed because I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The food scene is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
22 upvotes
Peyton Wilson
I'm a software engineer and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
16 upvotes
Michael H.
We moved here with our family and it's exactly what I was looking for. Schools in East area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
16 upvotes
Roger M.
Weather-wise, the summers are surprisingly good and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
15 upvotes
lake_aubrey3
I've lived in Lakewood for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Decent public transit for the size
- The safety scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Nightlife is limited
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. Good luck with whatever you decide..
11 upvotes
sacramento_olivia
accurate
11 upvotes
Leah Lee
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 13 years. Moved from Denver for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. hospitality 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:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is pretty good - 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. Downtown schools are underrated. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Winters are long and cold. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
11 upvotes
Abigail Rodriguez
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
10 upvotes
Audrey Brown
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want job market, then yeah this place is great. But if housing market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.