Been meaning to ask this. I'm retired and Rent is about $1,455/month for a decent place. The suburbs are where most families end up. Does this match your experience? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The city has invested a lot in new development. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
12 upvotes
3 Replies
raised_peyton18
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 55, moved here 3 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Lakewood and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The cultural scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for young professionals. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Baltimore, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $60K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
38 upvotes
Oliver Ruiz
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is job market. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Worth doing your research before committing.
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