Been meaning to ask this. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Thoughts? Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
6 upvotes
7 Replies
Carter Walker
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely underrated and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Old Town) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness 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.
36 upvotes
Sophia M.
lol so true
15 upvotes
Gabriel
hmm interesting perspective
14 upvotes
Christian Kim
Bought a house here in 2020 and it's not perfect but it works for me. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
12 upvotes
Anthony B.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 32, moved here 2 years ago from LA. I've lived in Lakewood and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The weather situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for families. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
11 upvotes
Christian Brown
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Nashville about 2 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are growing, gas is decent.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
6 upvotes
Everett T.
My experience has been mostly positive. it's not perfect but it works for me. The only thing I'd watch out for is healthcare. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..
All Countries
