Anyone else feel this way? Average temperature is around 57--F, so the weather is moderate. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
29 upvotes
15 Replies
Jameson T.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 11 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
38 upvotes
Mateo
thanks for sharing
35 upvotes
phillyheart2022
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely pretty good and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Fairview) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living 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.
32 upvotes
Carter Diaz
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I genuinely enjoy living here. Compared to Portland it's improving.
32 upvotes
Mateo Nelson
noted, appreciate it
27 upvotes
Isabelle Thomas
I'm a nurse and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. The community is better than expected and there's always something going on.
26 upvotes
Isabella Wilson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Boston about 9 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are reasonable, gas is excellent.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
26 upvotes
Nathan A.
I work in healthcare here and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market for my field is pretty good. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
23 upvotes
Mia Gomez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Houston about 11 years ago. The main reasons were weather and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are stable, gas is average.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Definitely worth checking out..
20 upvotes
Kayden Murphy
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is nightlife. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Worth doing your research before committing.
19 upvotes
Piper C.
noted, appreciate it
16 upvotes
Addison Smith
as a local I can confirm
16 upvotes
William M.
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 13 years here, that's my honest assessment.
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