Not sure if this has been asked before, but Been living here since 2010. The unemployment rate is 4.0%, which is pretty low. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. What do you all think? Any help is appreciated.
0 upvotes
14 Replies
Valentina Watson
Came here for weather and stayed because it's not perfect but it works for me. The nightlife is honestly surprisingly good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
37 upvotes
Jackson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 34, moved here 6 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Uptown and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The dating scene situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for couples. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Phoenix, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $90K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
34 upvotes
Savannah Wright
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
34 upvotes
Leah M.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 10 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
29 upvotes
Leah Ross
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's exactly what I was looking for. Internet is surprisingly good in most areas.
27 upvotes
Isabelle K.
I've lived in Lakewood for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Salt Lake City, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The cost of living scene is tough
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for families. Hope this helps!.
24 upvotes
Sophia T.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is housing market. it's not perfect but it works for me. Worth doing your research before committing.
23 upvotes
Eliana Reyes
As someone who grew up here, it exceeded my expectations. A lot has changed in the past few years though. walkability used to be much stable but now it's improving.
22 upvotes
Elena
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Tampa about 15 years ago. The main reasons were family and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Strong job market in several industries
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are wild, gas is average.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Definitely worth checking out..
18 upvotes
Carson S.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 51, moved here 12 years ago from New York. I've lived in Riverside and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Strong sense of community
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Winters are long and cold
3. The housing market situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for families. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 New York, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
9 upvotes
Genesis Thompson
I'm a lawyer and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
6 upvotes
native_delilah39
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I have mixed feelings honestly. Good luck with whatever you decide..
6 upvotes
Nicholas R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 14 years. Moved from San Diego for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. consulting 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 love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is average - 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 better than expected. 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. Road conditions need improvement. Dating scene is rough. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
3 upvotes
Carson Gonzalez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Portland and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in West. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in real estate. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
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