Hey everyone, Is this normal for Salem Lakes? There's a real sense of community in certain neighbo
1 upvotes
4 Replies
fresnolocal2023
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 46, moved here 10 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in South and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Affordable housing options
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited entertainment options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The traffic situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for retirees. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 San Francisco, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $70K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
30 upvotes
Kathryn C.
nah I disagree
25 upvotes
Stella
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Chicago and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Cedar Grove. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in real estate. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Indian.
No regrets on my end..
15 upvotes
Grayson
As someone who grew up here, it's exactly what I was looking for. A lot has changed in the past few years though. weather used to be much developing but now it's surprisingly good.