Hey, I'm a teacher here and Average temperature is around 52°F, so expect cold winters. The weather takes some getting used to. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. What neighborhoods would you suggest? Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
26 upvotes
19 Replies
Natalie H.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from LA and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Westside. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in construction. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
No regrets on my end..
40 upvotes
Easton Reyes
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Atlanta about 2 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Active local events and festivals
- Affordable housing options
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are established, gas is excellent.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Happy to answer more specific questions..
33 upvotes
Eleanor Moore
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 2 years. Moved from Minneapolis for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is solid - we have ski resorts 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 pretty good. 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. Limited high-paying job options. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
Hazel
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 7 years. Moved from Tampa for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. 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 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. education 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:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is solid - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Lakewood schools are challenging. 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. Nightlife is limited. Dating scene is rough. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
Liam Robinson
Came here for family and stayed because it's exactly what I was looking for. The cultural scene is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
24 upvotes
Wesley B.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is pet-friendliness. it's been a really good experience overall. Worth doing your research before committing.
21 upvotes
Logan Hill
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because it exceeded my expectations. The traffic is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
21 upvotes
columbus_adrian
This.
21 upvotes
Jameson Nelson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Phoenix about 5 years ago. The main reasons were weather and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Active local events and festivals
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are wild, gas is average.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Feel free to reach out with questions..
20 upvotes
Isabella Hernandez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Seattle about 10 years ago. The main reasons were school and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Active local events and festivals
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are developing, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Hope this helps!.
19 upvotes
Gabriel Wright
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it was the best decision I ever made. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
16 upvotes
Jerry M.
lol so true
15 upvotes
Serenity
hmm interesting perspective
10 upvotes
Luke R.
Moved here from Nashville about 10 years ago. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Still getting used to job market but No regrets on my end..
9 upvotes
Jose K.
I've lived in West for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Close to major attractions
- The food scene scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for retirees. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
7 upvotes
Alexa Ruiz
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
7 upvotes
Lillian Hughes
I work in legal here and I genuinely enjoy living here. The job market for my field is decent. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
4 upvotes
Alexa Gomez
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it was the best decision I ever made. Internet is tough in most areas.
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