Hey folks, Crime rate is something to consider -Walker sits at 179.6 per 100K. Poverty rate is 4.0%, which is pretty low. You can expect to pay around $1,121 for rent here. Average temperature is around 48--F, so expect cold winters. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. What neighborhoods would you suggest? It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
8 upvotes
25 Replies
Silas Murphy
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Raleigh about 5 years ago. The main reasons were school and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good airport with direct flights
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are wild, gas is average.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
40 upvotes
Joseph S.
yeah no that's not right
39 upvotes
Abigail Morris
Totally agree!
39 upvotes
Janice A.
Moved here from Seattle about 11 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to outdoor recreation but No regrets on my end..
38 upvotes
Adrian H.
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
35 upvotes
Serenity Williams
I'm a contractor and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
33 upvotes
Julia H.
haha yep pretty much
32 upvotes
Paisley
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 6 years. Moved from Denver for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown schools are improving. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Not very walkable outside downtown. Homeless population growing downtown. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
Evan L.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
28 upvotes
Margaret A.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 1 years. Moved from New York for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Meadowbrook schools are tough. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Rising rent and home prices. Far from beaches/mountains. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
25 upvotes
Jesse A.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 6 years. Moved from Austin for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. West schools are excellent. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Limited high-paying job options. Limited shopping options. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
William Brooks
Moved here from Baltimore about 7 years ago. I love the pace of life here. Still getting used to cost of living but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
23 upvotes
Isaac Alvarez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 6 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
23 upvotes
lafan2020
As someone who grew up here, it's not perfect but it works for me. A lot has changed in the past few years though. cost of living used to be much affordable but now it's average.
23 upvotes
Mason
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 4 years. Moved from Seattle for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is tough - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Fairview schools are solid. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Limited high-paying job options. Dating scene is rough. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
Santiago
thanks for sharing
19 upvotes
Natalie C.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is outdoor recreation. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
18 upvotes
mason_kid
this is the way
17 upvotes
Wayne T.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely pretty good and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
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.
16 upvotes
Eleanor Williams
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 2 years. Moved from Minneapolis for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is solid - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Riverside schools are improving. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Not very walkable outside downtown. Road conditions need improvement. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
15 upvotes
Carter Thompson
honestly same experience here
15 upvotes
Noah Phillips
great question, following
11 upvotes
Noah Gray
Totally agree!
10 upvotes
Bennett Bailey
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
9 upvotes
Donna M.
My experience has been mostly positive. I love the pace of life here. The only thing I'd watch out for is dating scene. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
All Countries
