Hey folks, We're a young couple and Crime rate is something to consider -Wood-Ridge sits at 10.7 per 100K. The suburbs are where most families end up. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
10 upvotes
11 Replies
Adeline Edwards
Public transit is improving here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.
34 upvotes
Kai Mendoza
it depends on the neighborhood
33 upvotes
Leonardo Ramos
As someone who grew up here, I'm still on the fence after all this time. A lot has changed in the past few years though. food scene used to be much stable but now it's pretty good.
31 upvotes
Quinn K.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Seattle and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Eastside. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
28 upvotes
Wesley Green
The food scene here is excellent. Tons of great BBQ places. the quality of life is solid.
28 upvotes
Nora Carter
As someone who grew up here, I'm still on the fence after all this time. A lot has changed in the past few years though. food scene used to be much stable but now it's tough.
25 upvotes
Easton Mitchell
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely tough and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (The Heights) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
20 upvotes
Linda B.
accurate
17 upvotes
Kinsley
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are improving, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
8 upvotes
Rylee Morales
I've lived in Lakewood for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by traffic. 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 job market scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for young professionals. No regrets on my end..
6 upvotes
Nathan Jimenez
I've lived in Oak Park for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Decent public transit for the size
- The community vibe scene is improving
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. Definitely worth checking out..
All Countries
