I'm a remote worker and The median home value here is around $647,700, which is pretty steep. With a population of 17,837, Anacortes is a small town. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Worth the trade-offs? Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
12 upvotes
15 Replies
oaklanddude2021
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 7 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2019 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:**
construction is strong here. legal 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:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is average - we have ski resorts 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 solid. 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. Winters are long and cold. Can feel isolated. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Grace Moore
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely excellent and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Fairview) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Limited shopping options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
29 upvotes
Xavier Wright
facts
29 upvotes
Hazel Rodriguez
Bought a house here in 2015 and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
23 upvotes
Aiden Gomez
I've lived in Meadowbrook for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Salt Lake City, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good healthcare facilities
- The school system scene is solid
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for couples. Feel free to reach out with questions..
19 upvotes
Maya R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Miami about 11 years ago. The main reasons were family and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good healthcare facilities
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are developing, gas is decent.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
19 upvotes
Madelyn Thompson
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want pet-friendliness, then yeah this place is great. But if cost of living matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
13 upvotes
Emma Foster
seconding this
12 upvotes
Jayden Gomez
I'm a data analyst and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. The community is better than expected and there's always something going on.
12 upvotes
Jose Wright
I've lived in West for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The community vibe scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for singles. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
6 upvotes
Santiago Turner
Weather-wise, the summers are underrated and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
4 upvotes
Everly Foster
as a local I can confirm
3 upvotes
Jordan Nelson
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I genuinely enjoy living here. No regrets on my end..
2 upvotes
Aaron Mendoza
thanks for sharing
1 upvotes
tucson_harper
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I have mixed feelings honestly. Compared to San Diego it's solid.
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