Been living here since 2013. Average temperature is around 51--F, so expect cold winters.
14 upvotes
9 Replies
Elizabeth Brown
bump
31 upvotes
Skylar Torres
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Tampa and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Lakewood. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in consulting. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
30 upvotes
Daniel
I work in healthcare here and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market for my field is surprisingly good. Definitely worth checking out..
29 upvotes
Jacob
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 35, moved here 11 years ago from LA. I've lived in Sunset and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Can feel isolated
3. The dating scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for retirees. decent 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 LA, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$80K 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.
26 upvotes
Waylon R.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Compared to San Diego it's hit or miss.
24 upvotes
Waylon B.
Moved here from Minneapolis about 7 years ago. it's exactly what I was looking for. Still getting used to cost of living but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
21 upvotes
Philip R.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want outdoor recreation, then yeah this place is great. But if dating scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
20 upvotes
Parker P.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
14 upvotes
Elijah Walker
Hot take but I genuinely enjoy living here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 12 years here, that's my honest assessment.