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Ezra Clark
qa
Quick question about Ranchettes
I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Worth the trade-offs? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
2 upvotes
12 Replies
Genesis M.
Can confirm, been here 3 years.
40 upvotes
Waylon Green
As someone who grew up here, it's exactly what I was looking for. A lot has changed in the past few years though. housing market used to be much growing but now it's challenging.
39 upvotes
Gabriella
facts
34 upvotes
Valentina Morales
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 14 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
I've been here 14 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
33 upvotes
Elena G.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Worth doing your research before committing.
32 upvotes
Matthew D.
thanks for sharing
21 upvotes
Axel Collins
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Phoenix about 12 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are developing, gas is average.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Feel free to reach out with questions..
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Phoenix about 12 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are developing, gas is average.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Feel free to reach out with questions..
20 upvotes
Ava
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I genuinely enjoy living here. Good luck with whatever you decide..
16 upvotes
sophia_girl
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Raleigh 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 Lakewood. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in legal. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Lakewood. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in legal. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
7 upvotes
Aaron Young
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 7 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is surprisingly 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. Old Town 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. Property taxes are high. Far from beaches/mountains. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Old Town for 7 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is surprisingly 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. Old Town 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. Property taxes are high. Far from beaches/mountains. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
6 upvotes
Eleanor Stewart
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Tampa about 9 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are established, gas is better than expected.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Good luck with whatever you decide..
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Tampa about 9 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are established, gas is better than expected.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Good luck with whatever you decide..
0 upvotes
Silas Edwards
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 45, moved here 14 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Lakewood and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The job market situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for families. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 San Diego, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 45, moved here 14 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Lakewood and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The job market situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for families. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 San Diego, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
0 upvotes