So, Poverty rate is 12.5%, which is around average. The median home value here is around $137,200, which is actually reasonable. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The suburbs are where most families end up. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The suburbs are where most families end up.
25 upvotes
22 Replies
Cooper Cruz
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is housing market. it's been a really good experience overall. Worth doing your research before committing.
40 upvotes
Clara Baker
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 3 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
39 upvotes
Lucy Roberts
bump
37 upvotes
Eliana Ramos
yep
36 upvotes
Adrian H.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 6 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - 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. South schools are challenging. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Limited public transit options. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
Claire Baker
Used to live on the The Heights side, now on the Lakewood side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
32 upvotes
Allison S.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
31 upvotes
Adrian Y.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
28 upvotes
Douglas R.
couldn't agree more
25 upvotes
Claire Hall
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Eastside. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
21 upvotes
Grace
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Worth doing your research before committing.
20 upvotes
Alexander
exactly what I was thinking
19 upvotes
James F.
it depends on the neighborhood
19 upvotes
Genesis
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 5 years. Moved from Seattle for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is better than expected - 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. Midtown schools are challenging. 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. Winters are long and cold. Not very walkable outside downtown. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
Jeremiah Watson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 12 years. Moved from Atlanta for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Fairview schools are decent. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Road conditions need improvement. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
Adrian Johnson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Sunset) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Denver, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
15 upvotes
Hazel Nguyen
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I genuinely enjoy living here. Internet is challenging in most areas.
9 upvotes
Mason Brown
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely better than expected and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Old Town) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
8 upvotes
Jack Wilson
honestly same experience here
7 upvotes
Aaron Torres
great question, following
4 upvotes
Peyton Roberts
Hot take but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. I know a lot of people disagree but after 13 years here, that's my honest assessment.
3 upvotes
Eric C.
Came here for work and stayed because it exceeded my expectations. The healthcare is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
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