Anyone else feel this way? I'm single, late 30s, and Median household income is $99,277, which feels pretty solid for the area. The city has invested a lot in new development. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Any help is appreciated. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
10 upvotes
6 Replies
Mackenzie Watson
good to know, thanks
37 upvotes
Ethan Wilson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 10 years. Moved from Chicago for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is underrated - 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 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. Urban sprawl is real. Limited high-paying job options. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
Luca Cooper
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 4 years. Moved from Seattle for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is better than expected - 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. Lakewood schools are average. 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 outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
Sophia Johnson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely average and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Dallas, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
15 upvotes
Matthew Rogers
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
3 upvotes
Aria
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 15 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Active local events and festivals
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are stable, gas is average.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Hope this helps!.
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