What I wish I knew before living in Alderwood Manor
Hey, Born and raised here. Median household income is $118,077, which feels pretty solid for the area. The median home value here is around $651,300, which is pretty steep. Crime rate is something to consider -Alderwood Manor sits at 77.8 per 100K. Homes are going for about $651,300 on average. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The city has invested a lot in new development. Let me know your thoughts. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The city has invested a lot in new development. The weather takes some getting used to.
7 upvotes
11 Replies
Luca Young
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I genuinely enjoy living here. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
37 upvotes
Jackson Torres
Bought a house here in 2017 and the quality of life is solid. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
33 upvotes
Kai Ross
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 12 years. Moved from Boston for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is solid - 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 underrated. 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. Limited high-paying job options. Can feel isolated. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
25 upvotes
Colton Murphy
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. the quality of life is solid. Compared to New York it's excellent.
24 upvotes
Brooks Richardson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 7 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
24 upvotes
Hazel T.
noted, appreciate it
20 upvotes
Adeline Hill
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 27, moved here 12 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Riverside and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The weather situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for couples. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$90K 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.
19 upvotes
Dominic Baker
Bought a house here in 2023 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
7 upvotes
Willow Young
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Cedar Grove for 9 years. Moved from Seattle for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth down slightly 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:**
consulting is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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. Cedar Grove 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Far from beaches/mountains. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
6 upvotes
Roman Hall
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because I genuinely enjoy living here. The community vibe is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
4 upvotes
Xavier Williams
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cost of living. it exceeded my expectations. Worth doing your research before committing.
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