You can expect to pay around $1,375 for rent here. The suburbs are where most families end up. Has anyone dealt with this? Thanks in advance! Property taxes are high but you get good services. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
20 upvotes
10 Replies
Julia Johnson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Pine Hills for 4 years. Moved from Portland for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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. Pine Hills 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. Urban sprawl is real. Limited high-paying job options. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
37 upvotes
Sadie Peterson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 3 years. Moved from Austin for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is underrated - 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 improving. 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. Nightlife is limited. Dating scene is rough. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
Leonardo Diaz
Used to live on the Oak Park side, now on the Cedar Grove side. Completely different vibe. it's not perfect but it works for me.
30 upvotes
Piper A.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 9 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
28 upvotes
Samuel Parker
As someone who grew up here, it exceeded my expectations. A lot has changed in the past few years though. healthcare used to be much wild but now it's pretty good.
20 upvotes
Greyson Price
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 15 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
13 upvotes
Noah Castillo
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 11 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North 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..
5 upvotes
Jaxon Murphy
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 11 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
1 upvotes
Owen Turner
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Boston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Lakewood. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in education. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
0 upvotes
orlandoguy2022
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from San Francisco about 11 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Dating scene is rough
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are wild, gas is tough.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Definitely worth checking out..
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