Hey, Poverty rate is 13.6%, which is around average. Rent is about $884/month for a decent place. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Should I be concerned?
19 upvotes
4 Replies
Camila White
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely tough and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
29 upvotes
Mateo C.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Salt Lake City and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Old Town. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in consulting. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like Korean.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
22 upvotes
David P.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is dating scene. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Worth doing your research before committing.
7 upvotes
Nolan Gray
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 15 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is weather. 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 photography, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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