Longtime lurker here, Military spouse here. You can expect to pay around $1,098 for rent here. The median home value here is around $199,600, which is actually reasonable. The unemployment rate is 2.7%, which is pretty low. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The weather takes some getting used to. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Thoughts? Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much.
15 upvotes
14 Replies
detroitsoul2024
The food scene here is underrated. Tons of great Southern places. it's exactly what I was looking for.
37 upvotes
Eleanor M.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Pittsburgh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Fairview. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
36 upvotes
Joseph White
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 49, moved here 6 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Springfield and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Limited shopping options
3. The public transit situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for retirees. improving vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Phoenix, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$120K 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.
29 upvotes
Valentina Bailey
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 5 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
25 upvotes
Sophie Anderson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 29, moved here 2 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Sunset and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Affordable housing options
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Property taxes are high
3. The cost of living situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for families. average vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $50K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
19 upvotes
milwaukeenative2023
I've been living here for 5 years and I'd say it was the best decision I ever made. The food scene is improving compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
18 upvotes
Jaxon G.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Pittsburgh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Westside. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in consulting. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Indian.
No regrets on my end..
17 upvotes
Paisley Jimenez
this is the way
15 upvotes
Nora Roberts
Totally agree!
11 upvotes
Roman Bennett
I've lived in Fairview for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The job market scene is solid
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for young professionals. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
11 upvotes
Isabella Cruz
I'm a sales manager and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The community is underrated and there's always something going on.
8 upvotes
Clara Lopez
I've lived in Lakewood for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Four distinct seasons
- The healthcare scene is improving
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for singles. Hope this helps!.
4 upvotes
Clara
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 10 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
3 upvotes
Isabella Wilson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely hit or miss and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Sunset) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
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