Random thought, I've been here for 19 years and It's a a smaller city city with about 66,375 people. You can expect to pay around $1,489 for rent here. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. What are your go-to spots? Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
4 upvotes
9 Replies
Jameson Cruz
As someone who grew up here, it was the best decision I ever made. A lot has changed in the past few years though. safety used to be much developing but now it's underrated.
40 upvotes
Sadie Edwards
My experience has been mostly positive. it was the best decision I ever made. The only thing I'd watch out for is healthcare. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..
27 upvotes
Gabriel Smith
Can confirm, been here 2 years.
14 upvotes
Alexa G.
Weather-wise, the summers are better than expected and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
13 upvotes
Luca Nelson
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 11 years here, that's my honest assessment.
12 upvotes
Eleanor Campbell
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 56, moved here 15 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Lakewood and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The school system situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for young professionals. decent vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Nashville, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$80K 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.
11 upvotes
oaklanddude2025
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. the quality of life is solid. Internet is average in most areas.
10 upvotes
Nicholas M.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is safety. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Worth doing your research before committing.
9 upvotes
Bradley W.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Austin about 4 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good healthcare facilities
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are competitive, gas is tough.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Definitely worth checking out..
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