Hey, I've been here for 11 years and With a population of 395K, Arlington is a mid-size city. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Does this match your experience? Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The suburbs are where most families end up. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
35 upvotes
4 Replies
Sadie C.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from San Diego about 14 years ago. The main reasons were family and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good healthcare facilities
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are wild, gas is average.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
38 upvotes
Jose Harris
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 8 years. Moved from San Diego for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2019 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
government 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:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have desert landscapes 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 surprisingly good. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
Aurora Scott
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 1 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are developing, gas is decent.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
16 upvotes
Autumn W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 36, moved here 14 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Greenfield and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Property taxes are high
3. The cost of living situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for couples. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Tampa, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $50K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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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