Alright, Born and raised here. It's a a small town city with about 20,493 people. The food scene here is surprisingly good. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Should I be concerned? It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The suburbs are where most families end up. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
5 upvotes
11 Replies
Walter S.
accurate
35 upvotes
local_madeline4
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Nashville about 8 years ago. The main reasons were school and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are stable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
27 upvotes
Matthew Hill
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
27 upvotes
Audrey R.
Moved here from San Francisco about 12 years ago. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Still getting used to dating scene but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
25 upvotes
Willow Flores
interesting, hadn't considered that
23 upvotes
Aaliyah Nguyen
I'm a real estate agent and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
19 upvotes
John J.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 4 years. Moved from Nashville for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is improving - we have national forests 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 decent. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Road conditions need improvement. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, 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
Naomi Smith
seconding this
9 upvotes
Nova Allen
Used to live on the West side, now on the Old Town side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.
6 upvotes
fresno_kaylee
following this thread
4 upvotes
Jaxon
Bought a house here in 2022 and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
All Countries
