Not sure if this has been asked before, but We're a young couple and Rent is about $1,738/month for a decent place. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
20 upvotes
11 Replies
Josiah Cook
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 14 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
40 upvotes
Natalie Ross
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 43, moved here 4 years ago from New York. I've lived in Old Town and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Nice parks and green spaces
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The cultural scene situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for retirees. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 New York, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
34 upvotes
Ryan G.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 1 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
32 upvotes
Emmett Bailey
this is the way
25 upvotes
Maverick Hughes
The food scene here is average. Tons of great Mediterranean places. it was the best decision I ever made.
18 upvotes
Everly King
The food scene here is better than expected. Tons of great Asian places. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
18 upvotes
Ronald T.
My experience has been mostly positive. it exceeded my expectations. The only thing I'd watch out for is pet-friendliness. Other than that, Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
17 upvotes
Aaliyah Adams
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 12 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
15 upvotes
William Robinson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Nashville and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Downtown. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in education. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
15 upvotes
Kayla R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 41, moved here 7 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Riverside and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Limited public transit options
3. The cultural scene situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for couples. excellent vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $60K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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
Kaylee Thomas
Used to live on the Eastside side, now on the North side. Completely different vibe. it was the best decision I ever made.
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