Not sure if this has been asked before, but The unemployment rate is 2.9%, which is pretty low. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Does this match your experience? The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
1 upvotes
3 Replies
Kai L.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's exactly what I was looking for. Internet is pretty good in most areas.
36 upvotes
Katherine Green
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely tough and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Riverside) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Chain restaurants dominate.
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.
28 upvotes
Gabriel
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 51, moved here 14 years ago from Miami. I've lived in East and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Diverse dining options
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. Dating scene is rough
3. The housing market situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for remote workers. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Miami, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$100K 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.
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