Hi all, You can expect to pay around $1,358 for rent here. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Has anyone dealt with this? The food scene here is surprisingly good. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
1 upvotes
10 Replies
Claire Brown
haha yep pretty much
39 upvotes
Aaliyah Parker
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 11 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are wild, gas is tough.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
36 upvotes
Ian H.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 3 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
29 upvotes
lake_kai53
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Houston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Lakewood. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in construction. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Hope this helps!.
28 upvotes
Ariana Kelly
I work in hospitality here and I have mixed feelings honestly. The job market for my field is average. Good luck with whatever you decide..
26 upvotes
Natalie Ross
haha yep pretty much
14 upvotes
Aurora Brown
Used to live on the North side, now on the Sunset side. Completely different vibe. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
14 upvotes
Alexa Bennett
100%
10 upvotes
Isla Price
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 24, moved here 8 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Maple Ridge, 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. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The pet-friendliness situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for retirees. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Tampa, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
7 upvotes
Emily H.
I'm a marketing manager and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is tough and there's always something going on.
All Countries
