Alright, My family moved here when I was a kid. Median household income is $83,210, which feels pretty solid for the area. The unemployment rate is 2.0%, which is pretty low. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
2 upvotes
2 Replies
Nora Watson
big facts right here
30 upvotes
dc_skylar
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 55, moved here 12 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Lakewood and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Good schools in most areas
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The housing market situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for couples. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 Chicago, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.