Random thought, Poverty rate is 3.3%, which is pretty low. With a population of 12,279, San Marino is a small town. Rent is about $3,501/month for a decent place. Crime rate is something to consider -San Marino sits at 106.1 per 100K. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The weather takes some getting used to. Should I be concerned? The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
13 upvotes
4 Replies
Martha P.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 49, moved here 8 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Uptown and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Limited public transit options
3. The nightlife situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for families. improving vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Denver, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K 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.
23 upvotes
Julia O.
I've lived in Lakewood for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Four distinct seasons
- The safety scene is tough
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for remote workers. No regrets on my end..
18 upvotes
Carol O.
Public transit is hit or miss here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it exceeded my expectations.