Not sure if this has been asked before, but Born and raised here. You can expect to pay around $816 for rent here. Average temperature is around 60--F, so the weather is moderate. The median home value here is around $129,400, which is actually reasonable. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Cheers. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
9 upvotes
14 Replies
Sarah Carter
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I love the pace of life here. Internet is challenging in most areas.
40 upvotes
Everly Cox
noted, appreciate it
39 upvotes
Wesley J.
as a local I can confirm
38 upvotes
native_adeline64
this is the way
35 upvotes
Theodore
I've lived in Lakewood for about 13 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 Portland, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- The community vibe scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for remote workers. Hope this helps!.
34 upvotes
Adrian Anderson
been saying this for years
33 upvotes
Hazel Lopez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely pretty good and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (West) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Can feel isolated.
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.
23 upvotes
Connor R.
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 12 years here, that's my honest assessment.
17 upvotes
raleigh_grayson
great question, following
15 upvotes
Walter L.
Moved here from Seattle about 15 years ago. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Still getting used to nightlife but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
8 upvotes
Eli Brooks
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 48, moved here 1 years ago from LA. I've lived in Riverside and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The dating scene situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for remote workers. underrated 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 solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K 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.
8 upvotes
nolafan2023
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely solid and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Westside) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
7 upvotes
Axel Gomez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Atlanta and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Old Town. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in legal. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Hope this helps!.
6 upvotes
Hailey Gomez
My experience has been mostly positive. it exceeded my expectations. The only thing I'd watch out for is food scene. Other than that, It's not for everyone but it works for us..
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