Been meaning to ask this. The median home value here is around $401,700, which is pretty steep. It's a a smaller city city with about 31,939 people. Median household income is $45,097, which feels on the lower side for the area. The weather takes some getting used to. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
10 upvotes
14 Replies
Genesis R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Baltimore about 5 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Lots of new development happening
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are pricey, gas is tough.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
37 upvotes
Oliver Taylor
haha yep pretty much
37 upvotes
Leah Morris
noted, appreciate it
31 upvotes
Jeremiah B.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 46, moved here 8 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The school system situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for singles. average vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Seattle, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
29 upvotes
Bella Flores
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely pretty good and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
29 upvotes
James C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 34, moved here 14 years ago from New York. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Affordable housing options
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The healthcare situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for retirees. tough vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 New York, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $90K-$110K 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.
28 upvotes
Asher Ross
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
25 upvotes
Lily Kelly
wish I knew this sooner
22 upvotes
Ella Cook
I work in education here and I genuinely enjoy living here. The job market for my field is excellent. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
22 upvotes
Kennedy Anderson
yeah no that's not right
16 upvotes
Naomi G.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 2 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are manageable, gas is excellent.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Feel free to reach out with questions..
14 upvotes
Alexa
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Houston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Westside. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
6 upvotes
Madelyn Peterson
Came here for school and stayed because the quality of life is solid. The public transit is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
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