Anyone else feel this way? It's a a smaller city city with about 54,159 people. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Thanks!
21 upvotes
13 Replies
Angel Price
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 5 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
39 upvotes
Madeline Turner
+1
36 upvotes
Landon C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 55, moved here 12 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Lakewood and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Active local events and festivals
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The outdoor recreation situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for couples. better than expected 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 Seattle, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$110K 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.
35 upvotes
Eva Perez
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
31 upvotes
Olivia Jones
preach
28 upvotes
Madelyn Chavez
My experience has been mostly positive. it was the best decision I ever made. The only thing I'd watch out for is safety. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..
22 upvotes
Everly Murphy
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The public transit is honestly tough and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
18 upvotes
Isaac C.
great question, following
17 upvotes
Olivia L.
As someone who grew up here, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. A lot has changed in the past few years though. cost of living used to be much stable but now it's surprisingly good.
16 upvotes
Charlotte R.
Can confirm, been here 1 years.
13 upvotes
Evelyn
Used to live on the Sunset side, now on the Springfield side. Completely different vibe. it was the best decision I ever made.
9 upvotes
Josiah Castillo
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 7 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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