OK so Average temperature is around 53--F, so expect cold winters. The median home value here is around $274,300, which seems about average. The unemployment rate is 2.6%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $100,896, which feels pretty solid for the area. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Has anyone dealt with this? Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The suburbs are where most families end up. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The suburbs are where most families end up. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The weather takes some getting used to. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The food scene here is surprisingly good. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
1 upvotes
8 Replies
Christian J.
Came here for cost of living and stayed because the quality of life is solid. The dating scene is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
40 upvotes
Maverick Hernandez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 1 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
29 upvotes
Sophie Price
it depends on the neighborhood
25 upvotes
Abigail Johnson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Denver and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Old Town. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in legal. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
22 upvotes
Leonardo Scott
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 46, moved here 5 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Lakewood and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Limited shopping options
3. The weather situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for remote workers. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 San Francisco, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
19 upvotes
austin_kai
Public transit is pretty good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
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