Been living here since 2007. You can expect to pay around $1,269 for rent here. Average temperature is around 54°F, so expect cold winters. It's a a mid-size city city with about 125K people. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. The suburbs are where most families end up. Does this match your experience? Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
25 upvotes
3 Replies
Julian Torres
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 14 years. Moved from Dallas for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2024 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is solid - we have rivers 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. Homeless population growing downtown. Bugs and humidity in summer. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
17 upvotes
Joan W.
nah I disagree
10 upvotes
happy_austin77
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is healthcare. it's exactly what I was looking for. Worth doing your research before committing.
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