Longtime lurker here, Homes are going for about $207,800 on average. Household incomes average around $66,657 in Slidell. The unemployment rate is 2.6%, which is pretty low. You can expect to pay around $1,381 for rent here. Average temperature is around 68--F, so the weather is moderate. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The weather takes some getting used to. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
Pros:
- Good job market
- Nice parks and trails
- Low crime in most areas
- Walkable downtown
- Plenty of shopping options
Cons:
- Traffic can be terrible
- High property taxes
- Lack of diversity
- Homelessness issues downtown
- Not enough green space
There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
21 upvotes
24 Replies
Leonardo Myers
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from LA about 3 years ago. The main reasons were family and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are established, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
40 upvotes
Leonardo M.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want pet-friendliness, then yeah this place is great. But if safety matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
39 upvotes
Carson H.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 8 years. Moved from Nashville for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is solid - 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. Uptown schools are challenging. 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 high-paying job options. Road conditions need improvement. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Kaylee L.
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. the quality of life is solid.
38 upvotes
Vivian Moore
I've lived in Lakewood for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good healthcare facilities
- The weather scene is decent
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for retirees. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
37 upvotes
Lydia Martinez
interesting, hadn't considered that
37 upvotes
Cora
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 2 years. Moved from Seattle for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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. Lakewood schools are solid. 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 high-paying job options. Homeless population growing downtown. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
Everett Campbell
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from San Francisco about 1 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are reasonable, gas is improving.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
35 upvotes
Serenity Gray
Moved here last year, no regrets.
34 upvotes
Hailey
My experience has been mostly positive. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The only thing I'd watch out for is public transit. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
33 upvotes
Hannah Davis
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Minneapolis about 15 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Active local events and festivals
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are growing, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
30 upvotes
Xavier B.
spot on
27 upvotes
Lydia Baker
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are hit or miss, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
24 upvotes
Eleanor Foster
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are hit or miss, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
24 upvotes
savannah_kid
Saving this thread
24 upvotes
happy_carter45
exactly what I was thinking
22 upvotes
Eleanor C.
yeah no that's not right
20 upvotes
Miles Jimenez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Greenfield for 7 years. Moved from Austin for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is average - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Greenfield schools are pretty good. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Far from beaches/mountains. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
19 upvotes
Riley Williams
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's not perfect but it works for me. Internet is surprisingly good in most areas.
15 upvotes
Brooklyn Adams
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely solid and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Highland) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, 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.
15 upvotes
Madelyn M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 32, moved here 14 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good schools in most areas
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. Limited high-paying job options
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The outdoor recreation situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for young professionals. tough vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
11 upvotes
Lydia Carter
Came here for retirement and stayed because it's exactly what I was looking for. The cultural scene is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
9 upvotes
Madelyn King
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want job market, then yeah this place is great. But if nightlife matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
5 upvotes
Kayden K.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 56, moved here 14 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Can feel isolated
3. The community vibe situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for families. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Tampa, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$120K 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.
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