Hey, I've been here for 15 years and Poverty rate is 12.2%, which is around average. Average temperature is around 75--F, so it's warm year-round. Rent is about $1,085/month for a decent place. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Thanks in advance! Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The city has invested a lot in new development. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
27 upvotes
20 Replies
Christopher L.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Hope this helps!.
37 upvotes
Thomas Y.
following this thread
37 upvotes
Adeline Jimenez
I work in manufacturing here and it was the best decision I ever made. The job market for my field is challenging. Good luck with whatever you decide..
34 upvotes
Olivia M.
yep
30 upvotes
minneapolisgirl2023
bump
29 upvotes
Elizabeth Hill
I work in real estate here and it was the best decision I ever made. The job market for my field is challenging. Hope this helps!.
28 upvotes
miamichef2020
not my experience at all
27 upvotes
Mason
Moved here from Pittsburgh about 10 years ago. I have mixed feelings honestly. Still getting used to housing market but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
26 upvotes
Anna Gomez
I'm a chef and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. The community is challenging and there's always something going on.
25 upvotes
Vivian Howard
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 46, moved here 13 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Old Town and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Diverse dining options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The housing market situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for couples. improving vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $40K-$90K 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.
24 upvotes
Brooklyn W.
not my experience at all
23 upvotes
Natalie
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Austin and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Pine Hills. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in tech. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
20 upvotes
Brooklyn Miller
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 15 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the Sunset side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
14 upvotes
Emmett Sanders
honestly same experience here
10 upvotes
Christian Flores
Used to live on the Lakewood side, now on the Greenfield side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.
7 upvotes
Jaxon M.
seconding this
5 upvotes
Addison Gomez
honestly same experience here
4 upvotes
Katherine Phillips
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely hit or miss and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Old Town) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Pittsburgh, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe 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.
2 upvotes
Nathan Gutierrez
Hot take but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
1 upvotes
Eli Nguyen
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
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