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Jeremiah J.
living
Is Viola a good place to live?
Curious what people think. I'm a remote worker and The unemployment rate is 6.8%, which is concerning. Am I overthinking this? TIA!
1 upvotes
3 Replies
Violet Wood
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 51, moved here 10 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Lakewood and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Can feel isolated
3. The healthcare situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for young professionals. average vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $50K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
Background: I'm a social worker, 51, moved here 10 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Lakewood and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Can feel isolated
3. The healthcare situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for young professionals. average vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $50K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
40 upvotes
Everett Smith
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Boston about 14 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Decent public transit for the size
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are affordable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Boston about 14 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Decent public transit for the size
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are affordable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
13 upvotes
Luke Turner
We moved here with our family and it's been a really good experience overall. Schools in The Heights area are better than expected. Kids love it here.
1 upvotes