Been meaning to ask this. You can expect to pay around $1,478 for rent here. Median household income is $71,994, which feels about average for the area. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Thoughts?
3 upvotes
8 Replies
denver_violet
bump
40 upvotes
Arianna Rogers
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Uptown. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
38 upvotes
Amy C.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 7 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
37 upvotes
Emily Mendoza
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want walkability, then yeah this place is great. But if job market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
36 upvotes
Evan K.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 1 years. Moved from Raleigh for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2022 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is solid - 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 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Road conditions need improvement. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
34 upvotes
Skylar Brown
I've been living here for 3 years and I'd say it's exactly what I was looking for. The nightlife is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
25 upvotes
Mia Castillo
Moved here from Pittsburgh about 1 years ago. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Still getting used to outdoor recreation but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
23 upvotes
Leo C.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. I have mixed feelings honestly. Compared to San Diego it's average.
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