Hey everyone, I'm single, late 20s, and It's a a smaller city city with about 28,279 people. The median home value here is around $305,800, which seems about average. Median household income is $83,009, which feels pretty solid for the area. Poverty rate is 4.9%, which is pretty low. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
18 upvotes
25 Replies
Isaiah Cooper
I'm a chef and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is challenging and there's always something going on.
39 upvotes
Nevaeh Mitchell
seconding this
38 upvotes
Eliana R.
Came here for weather and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor recreation is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
37 upvotes
Liam
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is healthcare. it's been a really good experience overall. Worth doing your research before committing.
35 upvotes
Melanie
We moved here with our family and it was the best decision I ever made. Schools in Lakewood area are improving. Kids love it here.
33 upvotes
Elijah Green
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because it exceeded my expectations. The public transit is honestly excellent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
30 upvotes
Nathan Reyes
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I have mixed feelings honestly. Internet is decent in most areas.
29 upvotes
ryan_lover
honestly same experience here
26 upvotes
sophia_native
great question, following
25 upvotes
Colton Diaz
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Chicago about 9 years ago. The main reasons were weather and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good healthcare facilities
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are growing, gas is challenging.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Hope this helps!.
24 upvotes
Chloe Smith
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Internet is excellent in most areas.
21 upvotes
Parker K.
yeah no that's not right
20 upvotes
Hunter Diaz
Came here for work and stayed because I genuinely enjoy living here. The public transit is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
15 upvotes
stlguy2022
I'm a electrician and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
15 upvotes
Adeline T.
haha yep pretty much
13 upvotes
Easton Foster
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want housing market, then yeah this place is great. But if traffic matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
13 upvotes
Amelia
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Salt Lake City 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 Highland. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in marketing. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
12 upvotes
Ethan Williams
I work in construction here and I have mixed feelings honestly. The job market for my field is decent. Feel free to reach out with questions..
12 upvotes
Sarah Wood
My experience has been mostly positive. I genuinely enjoy living here. The only thing I'd watch out for is community vibe. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..
11 upvotes
Luna Thomas
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 47, moved here 13 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Sunset and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The safety situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for singles. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 Phoenix, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$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.
9 upvotes
Eliana
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 1 years. Moved from Nashville for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are better than expected. 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 high-paying job options. Dating scene is rough. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
9 upvotes
Landon Sanchez
yeah no that's not right
4 upvotes
Emilia
seconding this
4 upvotes
Kayden H.
lol so true
1 upvotes
Alexis C.
The food scene here is decent. Tons of great Italian places. it was the best decision I ever made.
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