Hey, My partner and I are The median home value here is around $244,900, which is actually reasonable. Homes are going for about $244,900 on average. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The suburbs are where most families end up.
3 upvotes
14 Replies
Piper Robinson
I've been living here for 13 years and I'd say I love the pace of life here. The cost of living is pretty good compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
36 upvotes
Sophie Carter
Hot take but it's exactly what I was looking for. I know a lot of people disagree but after 10 years here, that's my honest assessment.
33 upvotes
Roman Garcia
Hot take but I genuinely enjoy living here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 4 years here, that's my honest assessment.
29 upvotes
Arianna Clark
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 31, moved here 13 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Sunset and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Low crime in most neighborhoods
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The pet-friendliness situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for couples. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Tampa, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$130K 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
Luke Reed
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from LA and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Lakewood. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in government. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like seafood.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
23 upvotes
Asher Stewart
My experience has been mostly positive. it was the best decision I ever made. The only thing I'd watch out for is food scene. Other than that, Hope this helps!.
22 upvotes
dallas_madelyn
This.
18 upvotes
Isabella M.
My experience has been mostly positive. it exceeded my expectations. The only thing I'd watch out for is nightlife. Other than that, Hope this helps!.
14 upvotes
Caleb Diaz
Used to live on the Eastside side, now on the South side. Completely different vibe. I love the pace of life here.
12 upvotes
Wyatt
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 38, moved here 10 years ago from LA. I've lived in Oak Park and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The food scene situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for retirees. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 LA, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
12 upvotes
Asher Ross
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is walkability. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Worth doing your research before committing.
4 upvotes
Jack P.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from San Diego about 15 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Four distinct seasons
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are manageable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
4 upvotes
Kevin S.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I have mixed feelings honestly. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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