Longtime lurker here, I'm retired and The median home value here is around $155,000, which is actually reasonable. Median household income is $52,249, which feels on the lower side for the area. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The suburbs are where most families end up. Any advice would be great. The suburbs are where most families end up. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
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Sarah
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 31, moved here 6 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Lakewood and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The weather situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for retirees. decent vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 San Francisco, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is established. 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.
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