Not sure if this has been asked before, but Just moved here 10 months ago and Homes are going for about $108,900 on average. Crime rate is something to consider -Wautoma sits at 47.2 per 100K. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. What neighborhoods would you suggest? Thanks in advance! The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The city has invested a lot in new development. Property taxes are high but you get good services. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
15 upvotes
13 Replies
Valentina Torres
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Raleigh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Eastside. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
40 upvotes
Waylon Martinez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from LA about 5 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are affordable, gas is average.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
40 upvotes
austinmama2021
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Compared to Denver it's excellent.
32 upvotes
Colton Martinez
Public transit is tough here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
19 upvotes
Madelyn Green
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Austin and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Highland. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in consulting. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
18 upvotes
columbuswalker2023
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. I genuinely enjoy living here. Compared to Minneapolis it's tough.
12 upvotes
Sadie Green
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cost of living, then yeah this place is great. But if cost of living matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
10 upvotes
Olivia Williams
spot on
9 upvotes
Robert C.
I've lived in Westside for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- The outdoor recreation scene is improving
The downsides:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
7 upvotes
Evelyn Bennett
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 47, moved here 10 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Pine Hills and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Can feel isolated
3. The safety situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for singles. hit or miss 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 Austin, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$120K 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.
5 upvotes
Jace Martin
Bought a house here in 2018 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
3 upvotes
stlpapa2022
noted, appreciate it
1 upvotes
Addison
I've lived in Lakewood for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- The safety scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Dating scene is rough
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for retirees. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
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