Hey, I'm a nurse at the local hospital and The unemployment rate is 2.3%, which is pretty low. Crime rate is something to consider -Addison sits at 489.6 per 100K. Average temperature is around 66--F, so the weather is moderate. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Would love some local perspective. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The weather takes some getting used to.
12 upvotes
10 Replies
Alexander Murphy
wish I knew this sooner
39 upvotes
Easton Reed
Used to live on the Downtown side, now on the Eastside side. Completely different vibe. it's exactly what I was looking for.
31 upvotes
Kai Ortiz
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. I genuinely enjoy living here. Compared to Baltimore it's challenging.
25 upvotes
Lydia S.
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in Midtown area are decent. Kids love it here.
23 upvotes
Melanie
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. pet-friendliness used to be much wild but now it's better than expected.
21 upvotes
Nevaeh Roberts
My experience has been mostly positive. it's improved dramatically in recent years. The only thing I'd watch out for is job market. Other than that, Hope this helps!.
21 upvotes
Eleanor M.
couldn't agree more
19 upvotes
Arianna W.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 7 years. Moved from Chicago for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is solid - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Lakewood schools are challenging. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Can feel isolated. Far from beaches/mountains. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
15 upvotes
nashvillesoul2023
I've lived in Sunset for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good internet infrastructure
- The housing market scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. Feel free to reach out with questions..
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