Curious what people think. I grew up here but left for a while. Household incomes average around $64,659 in Airway Heights. Median household income is $64,659, which feels about average for the area. Average temperature is around 49--F, so expect cold winters. Rent is about $1,313/month for a decent place. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Thoughts? Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The weather takes some getting used to. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The city has invested a lot in new development.
0 upvotes
11 Replies
Kinsley
nah I disagree
33 upvotes
William Nelson
I've lived in Lakewood for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The weather scene is average
The downsides:
- Limited shopping options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for singles. Hope this helps!.
33 upvotes
Isaac Sanders
100%
31 upvotes
Delilah C.
As someone who grew up here, it's been a really good experience overall. A lot has changed in the past few years though. pet-friendliness used to be much affordable but now it's hit or miss.
28 upvotes
Hunter J.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 33, moved here 9 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Uptown and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Close to major attractions
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The outdoor recreation situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for remote workers. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $100K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
21 upvotes
Aria Torres
I've lived in Westside for about 6 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 San Francisco, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Four distinct seasons
- The outdoor recreation scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Dating scene is rough
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. Good luck with whatever you decide..
21 upvotes
Silas Mendoza
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is dating scene. it's exactly what I was looking for. Worth doing your research before committing.
20 upvotes
Elizabeth Myers
I've lived in The Heights for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The housing market scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for young professionals. Good luck with whatever you decide..
17 upvotes
Hannah Cook
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Oak Park for 10 years. Moved from Minneapolis for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. engineering 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:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Oak Park schools are average. 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. Limited shopping options. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
10 upvotes
Angel Brooks
I work in government here and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The job market for my field is average. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
9 upvotes
Ian Lopez
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it's not perfect but it works for me. Compared to Atlanta it's underrated.
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