First post here. I'm a 41-year-old contractor and The unemployment rate is 4.5%, which is about average. It's a a small town city with about 12,555 people. The suburbs are where most families end up. The weather takes some getting used to. Any advice would be great. Appreciate any input. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The weather takes some getting used to. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The suburbs are where most families end up. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
5 upvotes
7 Replies
Adeline Gutierrez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 46, moved here 12 years ago from LA. I've lived in Lakewood and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Close to major attractions
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The healthcare situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for remote workers. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 LA, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
40 upvotes
Aria Lopez
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want weather, then yeah this place is great. But if school system matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
34 upvotes
Anna Perez
The food scene here is improving. Tons of great sushi places. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
29 upvotes
lanative2023
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 51, moved here 5 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in South and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The cost of living situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for couples. improving vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Seattle, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $40K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
15 upvotes
Reagan Gonzalez
underrated comment
9 upvotes
Emmett Reyes
I've lived in Sunset for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Decent public transit for the size
- The food scene scene is improving
The downsides:
- Dating scene is rough
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Happy to answer more specific questions..
5 upvotes
Bella Hall
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
All Countries
