First post here. I relocated for work and The unemployment rate is 3.6%, which is pretty low. Poverty rate is 18.5%, which is higher than I expected. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. What are your go-to spots? Thanks in advance! The city has invested a lot in new development.
26 upvotes
12 Replies
Aubrey Turner
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely excellent and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Highland) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability 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.
40 upvotes
Arianna Sanders
Moved here from Miami about 6 years ago. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Still getting used to walkability but No regrets on my end..
38 upvotes
Christian Brown
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are improving, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
38 upvotes
Jackson Lopez
I work in healthcare here and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market for my field is excellent. Definitely worth checking out..
37 upvotes
Valentina Flores
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
28 upvotes
tucsonkid2025
Public transit is better than expected here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
28 upvotes
Carter Perez
literally same
27 upvotes
Asher
Used to live on the Lakewood side, now on the Oak Park side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
16 upvotes
Mason H.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Internet is average in most areas.
11 upvotes
Gabriella Richardson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 48, moved here 1 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Lakewood and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Limited shopping options
3. The outdoor recreation situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for young professionals. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
8 upvotes
portland_lydia
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 39, moved here 2 years ago from Denver. I've lived in East and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The cost of living situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for families. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$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.
7 upvotes
Miles B.
I've lived in Riverside for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Lots of new development happening
- The public transit scene is solid
The downsides:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for remote workers. Hope this helps!.
All Countries
