Anyone else feel this way? I work in logistics and Median household income is $138,750, which feels pretty solid for the area. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The suburbs are where most families end up.
5 upvotes
11 Replies
Everett Campbell
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 55, moved here 12 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Property taxes are high
3. The healthcare situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for singles. improving vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $60K-$150K 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.
40 upvotes
Elizabeth S.
I've lived in Lakewood for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- The community vibe scene is tough
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Nightlife is limited
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for retirees. Happy to answer more specific questions..
37 upvotes
Gary H.
I've lived in Sunset for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Portland, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Affordable housing options
- The job market scene is improving
The downsides:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for couples. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
29 upvotes
Willow C.
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.
29 upvotes
Samuel Gray
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from San Francisco and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Riverside. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
28 upvotes
Aria Brown
haha yep pretty much
24 upvotes
Ruby Hernandez
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 6 years here, that's my honest assessment.
8 upvotes
John Cox
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely average and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
4 upvotes
Leo C.
This.
2 upvotes
urban_maverick83
been saying this for years
2 upvotes
Violet Davis
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
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