Random thought, Military spouse here. The unemployment rate is 1.7%, which is pretty low. The median home value here is around $328,100, which seems about average. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Would love some local perspective. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to.
12 upvotes
12 Replies
Lily
I've been living here for 9 years and I'd say it's exactly what I was looking for. The community vibe is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
35 upvotes
Nathan Miller
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 11 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is improving.
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..
34 upvotes
Evan Cook
This.
33 upvotes
charlotte_bennett
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 45, moved here 2 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in South and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The walkability situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for remote workers. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Atlanta, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $40K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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
Adam
I've lived in Midtown for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good internet infrastructure
- The nightlife scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. No regrets on my end..
28 upvotes
Arianna W.
facts
27 upvotes
Henry W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 43, moved here 2 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Sunset and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Can feel isolated
3. The job market situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for families. decent vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Portland, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$90K 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.
26 upvotes
Aiden Kelly
honestly same experience here
17 upvotes
Santiago King
My experience has been mostly positive. it's not perfect but it works for me. The only thing I'd watch out for is community vibe. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..
16 upvotes
Mia Roberts
I've lived in West for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good internet infrastructure
- The pet-friendliness scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Rising rent and home prices
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
10 upvotes
Zachary H.
This.
10 upvotes
Ella Baker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 25, moved here 5 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Sunset and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The pet-friendliness situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for families. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
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