I relocated for work and Poverty rate is 5.1%, which is pretty low. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Does this match your experience? The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The suburbs are where most families end up.
15 upvotes
8 Replies
Katherine L.
I've been living here for 9 years and I'd say I'm still on the fence after all this time. The dating scene is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall Hope this helps!.
38 upvotes
Ariana Nguyen
Moved here from Boston about 1 years ago. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Still getting used to public transit but Good luck with whatever you decide..
31 upvotes
Wesley Smith
I'm a lawyer and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
25 upvotes
Ariana White
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 39, moved here 7 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Lakewood and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Nice parks and green spaces
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The safety situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for retirees. underrated vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Dallas, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $80K-$100K 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.
18 upvotes
John Torres
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 7 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the Sunset side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
13 upvotes
Delilah Brooks
As someone who grew up here, it's exactly what I was looking for. A lot has changed in the past few years though. walkability used to be much stable but now it's average.
9 upvotes
nicholas_mind
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. the quality of life is solid.
7 upvotes
Clara
Weather-wise, the summers are tough and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
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