So, Homes are going for about $907,900 on average. Average temperature is around 67--F, so the weather is moderate. The median home value here is around $907,900, which is pretty steep. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Let me know your thoughts. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
3 upvotes
19 Replies
Clara Cox
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 15 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good airport with direct flights
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are affordable, gas is decent.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
38 upvotes
Colton Wood
My experience has been mostly positive. it's improved dramatically in recent years. The only thing I'd watch out for is pet-friendliness. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
36 upvotes
Emmett H.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely pretty good and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Old Town) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Homeless population growing downtown.
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.
34 upvotes
philly_john
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 42, moved here 7 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in North and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Growing food and restaurant scene
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The traffic situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for young professionals. improving 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 Tampa, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $80K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
32 upvotes
Thomas James
thanks for sharing
31 upvotes
raleigh_jeremiah
couldn't agree more
24 upvotes
Hannah Howard
Saving this thread
23 upvotes
Zoe Robinson
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in Downtown area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
18 upvotes
Nevaeh Hall
Came here for weather and stayed because it's exactly what I was looking for. The food scene is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
17 upvotes
Aaron Mendoza
I've lived in The Heights for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Decent public transit for the size
- The community vibe scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for young professionals. Definitely worth checking out..
17 upvotes
Naomi
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Greenfield for 6 years. Moved from Boston for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Greenfield schools are surprisingly good. 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. Limited public transit options. Property taxes are high. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
Carson Clark
this is the way
13 upvotes
Lydia Mendoza
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 10 years. Moved from Minneapolis for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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. Lakewood schools are average. 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. Property taxes are high. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
9 upvotes
Valentina R.
This.
9 upvotes
Leo Cook
I've been living here for 1 years and I'd say the quality of life is solid. The cultural scene is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..
8 upvotes
Victoria B.
haha yep pretty much
7 upvotes
Isabelle M.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Dallas and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Midtown. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in finance. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Thai.
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