Longtime lurker here, I'm a remote worker and Average temperature is around 49--F, so expect cold winters. Homes are going for about $235,600 on average. Crime rate is something to consider -Wadsworth sits at 62.4 per 100K. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Does this match your experience? Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
5 upvotes
3 Replies
Charlotte Rogers
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 14 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
14 upvotes
Miles L.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 55, moved here 4 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Pine Hills and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The food scene situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for singles. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Seattle, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $80K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
All Countries
