Not sure if this has been asked before, but I'm retired and You can expect to pay around $1,481 for rent here. Household incomes average around $106,676 in Andover. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. What neighborhoods would you suggest? TIA! Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
9 upvotes
9 Replies
jeremiah_mama
Moved here from Denver about 1 years ago. I have mixed feelings honestly. Still getting used to traffic but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
40 upvotes
loving_nathan28
great question, following
38 upvotes
Ariana Sanchez
exactly what I was thinking
38 upvotes
Matthew Watson
I've lived in Lakewood for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Lots of new development happening
- The food scene scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. No regrets on my end..
31 upvotes
Declan Jones
I've been living here for 10 years and I'd say it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor recreation is decent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
22 upvotes
Jace Evans
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 15 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
13 upvotes
Henry Turner
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely better than expected and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Pine Hills) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Road conditions need improvement.
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.
11 upvotes
Lawrence J.
yep
7 upvotes
Luca Lopez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 50, moved here 9 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Downtown and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited entertainment options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The safety situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for singles. tough vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Phoenix, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
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