Not sure if this has been asked before, but The median home value here is around $259,300, which seems about average. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
8 upvotes
7 Replies
Luke
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 35, moved here 1 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Lakewood and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Can feel isolated
3. The cultural scene situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for remote workers. solid vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Portland, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $100K-$150K 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.
39 upvotes
Addison Clark
yep
39 upvotes
Julian Jackson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Minneapolis about 1 years ago. The main reasons were family and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are developing, gas is underrated.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
37 upvotes
Lydia Ramos
My experience has been mostly positive. I love the pace of life here. The only thing I'd watch out for is housing market. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..
36 upvotes
Michael
As someone who grew up here, it's improved dramatically in recent years. A lot has changed in the past few years though. walkability used to be much growing but now it's underrated.
24 upvotes
Kaylee Ramos
literally same
19 upvotes
Carter Nelson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 32, moved here 3 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Oak Park and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The walkability situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for singles. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 Houston, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
All Countries
