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Everett Adams
housing
First time home buyer in Roy
Been meaning to ask this. The unemployment rate is 1.7%, which is pretty low. Am I wrong here?
26 upvotes
26 Replies
Bennett K.
Used to live on the Maple Ridge side, now on the Oak Park side. Completely different vibe. it was the best decision I ever made.
40 upvotes
Delilah Cruz
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Dallas about 6 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good schools in most areas
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are affordable, gas is challenging.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Dallas about 6 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good schools in most areas
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are affordable, gas is challenging.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
27 upvotes
Jordan Y.
I've lived in Lakewood for about 9 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 New York, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Active local events and festivals
- The food scene scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. No regrets on my end..
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from New York, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Active local events and festivals
- The food scene scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. No regrets on my end..
26 upvotes
Dominic Perez
exactly what I was thinking
24 upvotes
Andrew Wood
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Charlotte about 12 years ago. The main reasons were school and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Active local events and festivals
- Close to major attractions
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are developing, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Good luck with whatever you decide..
I'm a writer who relocated here from Charlotte about 12 years ago. The main reasons were school and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Active local events and festivals
- Close to major attractions
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are developing, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Good luck with whatever you decide..
23 upvotes
Madelyn C.
preach
23 upvotes
Santiago
bump
18 upvotes
Quinn K.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 1 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
I've been here 1 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
18 upvotes
Declan Morgan
good to know, thanks
17 upvotes
Nora Turner
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Pine Hills for 8 years. Moved from Portland for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is solid - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Pine Hills schools are excellent. 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 shopping options. Limited entertainment options. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Pine Hills for 8 years. Moved from Portland for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is solid - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Pine Hills schools are excellent. 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 shopping options. Limited entertainment options. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
Naomi Rogers
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it exceeded my expectations. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
15 upvotes
Doris R.
Can confirm, been here 13 years.
15 upvotes
Jameson Martinez
it depends on the neighborhood
14 upvotes
Ethan
Public transit is excellent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
11 upvotes
Gianna Foster
I'm a real estate agent and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
11 upvotes
Catherine W.
bump
11 upvotes
Logan L.
haha yep pretty much
11 upvotes
Willie L.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Midtown) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Midtown) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
11 upvotes
river_isaiah80
Bought a house here in 2018 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
11 upvotes
Julian Phillips
hmm interesting perspective
9 upvotes
Everett Patel
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
8 upvotes
Ava F.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely underrated and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (North) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
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.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely underrated and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (North) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
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.
6 upvotes
Aaliyah Stewart
good to know, thanks
5 upvotes
Easton Ramirez
I've been living here for 3 years and I'd say I have mixed feelings honestly. The weather is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
2 upvotes
Claire H.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
0 upvotes
Aaron
I've lived in Lakewood for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good internet infrastructure
- The food scene scene is solid
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for young professionals. Hope this helps!.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good internet infrastructure
- The food scene scene is solid
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for young professionals. Hope this helps!.
0 upvotes