First post here. We're a young couple and It's a a small town city with about 24,432 people. Average temperature is around 53--F, so expect cold winters. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Looking forward to hearing from you all. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The weather takes some getting used to. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The food scene here is surprisingly good. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
1 upvotes
11 Replies
Waylon Kim
nah I disagree
40 upvotes
Landon
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely hit or miss and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
40 upvotes
Lydia Baker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 54, moved here 7 years ago from LA. I've lived in Midtown and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The cultural scene situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for couples. hit or miss 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 LA, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $40K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
37 upvotes
Naomi Garcia
Totally agree!
33 upvotes
local_dominic98
I've been living here for 2 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The healthcare is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
30 upvotes
Jackson Walker
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are improving, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
28 upvotes
Dylan R.
Came here for school and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The nightlife is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
28 upvotes
Paisley Cooper
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from New York about 14 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are wild, gas is average.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
27 upvotes
Angel Wilson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Dallas and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in West. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in finance. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Asian.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
15 upvotes
Reagan C.
lol so true
14 upvotes
Jace Brooks
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 41, moved here 1 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Riverside and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Limited shopping options
3. The pet-friendliness situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for singles. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Dallas, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $100K-$140K 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.
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