Alright, I relocated for work and The median home value here is around $158,500, which is actually reasonable. Rent is about $1,417/month for a decent place. Average temperature is around 71--F, so it's warm year-round. Homes are going for about $158,500 on average. Household incomes average around $59,566 in Waggaman. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
Pros:
- Good schools
- Close to nature
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong sense of community
- Walkable downtown
Cons:
- Limited public transit
- Cold winters
- Few job opportunities in some fields
- Boring for young people
- Far from major airports
Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The suburbs are where most families end up. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
11 upvotes
7 Replies
Landon Edwards
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cultural scene. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Worth doing your research before committing.
40 upvotes
Sarah Sanders
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 36, moved here 11 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Lakewood and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The cultural scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for families. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Atlanta, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $90K-$130K 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.
24 upvotes
Angel Ross
facts
17 upvotes
Robert Young
Moved here from Nashville about 10 years ago. the quality of life is solid. Still getting used to walkability but No regrets on my end..
17 upvotes
Landon Jones
I'm a marketing manager and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is underrated and there's always something going on.
16 upvotes
Reagan Richardson
Used to live on the Lakewood side, now on the Maple Ridge side. Completely different vibe. it's not perfect but it works for me.
11 upvotes
John K.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 26, moved here 12 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Fairview and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The safety situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for couples. decent 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 Nashville, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$150K 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.