I've been here for 3 years and You can expect to pay around $1,984 for rent here. With a population of 12,506, Ridge is a small town. Homes are going for about $404,900 on average. Poverty rate is 1.7%, which is pretty low. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Would love some local perspective. The city has invested a lot in new development. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The city has invested a lot in new development. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
13 upvotes
13 Replies
Daniel Jackson
as a local I can confirm
40 upvotes
Ethan B.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Minneapolis and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Highland. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in consulting. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
37 upvotes
Ryan Williams
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely solid and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
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.
36 upvotes
Daniel
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
29 upvotes
Julia Clark
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 9 years ago. The main reasons were school and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Strong job market in several industries
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Urban sprawl is real
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are reasonable, gas is decent.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
22 upvotes
Natalie
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
22 upvotes
Kennedy
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 7 years. Moved from Minneapolis for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is solid - we have lakes 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 pretty 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Far from beaches/mountains. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
Andrew
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (The Heights) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
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.
16 upvotes
Hudson Jones
As someone who grew up here, I have mixed feelings honestly. A lot has changed in the past few years though. cultural scene used to be much pricey but now it's decent.
8 upvotes
Hailey Hall
I've lived in Uptown for about 11 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 Seattle, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good airport with direct flights
- The dating scene scene is improving
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for remote workers. Definitely worth checking out..
7 upvotes
Evan M.
facts
5 upvotes
Evelyn Chavez
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I'm still on the fence after all this time. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
5 upvotes
Autumn W.
Bought a house here in 2020 and it's not perfect but it works for me. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
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