First post here. My partner and I are The median home value here is around $121,800, which is actually reasonable. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Is this normal for Two Rivers? Thanks for reading. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
4 upvotes
14 Replies
Eleanor Perez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 39, moved here 12 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Lakewood and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The healthcare situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for remote workers. improving 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 Chicago, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
39 upvotes
Zoe
Moved here last year, no regrets.
37 upvotes
Jayden Edwards
I work in hospitality here and it's been a really good experience overall. The job market for my field is excellent. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
36 upvotes
Brooklyn Robinson
My experience has been mostly positive. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The only thing I'd watch out for is pet-friendliness. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
36 upvotes
Everett Kim
Used to live on the Cedar Grove side, now on the Midtown side. Completely different vibe. it's exactly what I was looking for.
33 upvotes
Aria Torres
Bought a house here in 2016 and the quality of life is solid. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
31 upvotes
Addison Flores
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 14 years. Moved from Denver for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are challenging. 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. Limited public transit options. Limited high-paying job options. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
Caleb Turner
Totally agree!
19 upvotes
Kayden Baker
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. Good luck with whatever you decide..
17 upvotes
lalife2023
Saving this thread
11 upvotes
Luca
I've lived in Eastside for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Houston, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good schools in most areas
- The pet-friendliness scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
10 upvotes
Michael G.
yeah no that's not right
9 upvotes
Sarah
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 45, moved here 3 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Uptown and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Property taxes are high
3. The job market situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for retirees. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Austin, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K 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.
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