Hello, The unemployment rate is 2.2%, which is pretty low. Household incomes average around $78,916 in Tamiami. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Anyone in a similar situation? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
13 upvotes
14 Replies
Naomi Cook
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 4 years. Moved from San Francisco for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset schools are better than expected. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Nightlife is limited. Can feel isolated. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Peyton
seconding this
39 upvotes
houston_andrew
Saving this thread
38 upvotes
Katherine
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.
34 upvotes
autumn_runner
I work in consulting here and it exceeded my expectations. The job market for my field is underrated. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
34 upvotes
Gabriel B.
I've lived in Lakewood for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Lots of new development happening
- Close to major attractions
- The outdoor recreation scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. Happy to answer more specific questions..
33 upvotes
dcdude2023
Bought a house here in 2022 and I love the pace of life here. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
27 upvotes
Eli Sanders
literally same
24 upvotes
Jonathan Robinson
preach
19 upvotes
Ariana
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 44, moved here 4 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Old Town and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The public transit situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for retirees. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Seattle, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$140K 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.
14 upvotes
Stella C.
Weather-wise, the summers are underrated and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
11 upvotes
Lucy M.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 6 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
3 upvotes
Maya Lewis
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely pretty good and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Pine Hills) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife 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.
1 upvotes
Waylon Hall
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Portland and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Fairview. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in construction. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
All Countries
