Hey everyone, I'm originally from Boston and Rent is about $759/month for a decent place. The unemployment rate is 4.1%, which is about average. It's a a smaller city city with about 39,057 people. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The city has invested a lot in new development. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The city has invested a lot in new development. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
27 upvotes
6 Replies
Aurora Lewis
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Atlanta about 1 years ago. The main reasons were weather and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are stable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Hope this helps!.
38 upvotes
Jonathan Price
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 51, moved here 12 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Sunset and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Summers can be brutally hot
3. The pet-friendliness situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for families. improving vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $50K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
28 upvotes
Amelia Young
I've lived in Lakewood for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Decent public transit for the size
- The dating scene scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
13 upvotes
Emilia C.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 8 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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