Been meaning to ask this. With a population of 235K, Arlington is a mid-size city. Poverty rate is 5.0%, which is pretty low. Household incomes average around $140,160 in Arlington. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. What do you all think? The weather takes some getting used to. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
34 upvotes
7 Replies
Sadie Patel
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 5 years. Moved from San Diego for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2022 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. finance 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 was the best decision I ever made. 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 better than expected. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Chain restaurants dominate. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
Stella C.
accurate
32 upvotes
Weston Castillo
interesting, hadn't considered that
15 upvotes
Emilia M.
underrated comment
13 upvotes
Grayson Nguyen
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because I genuinely enjoy living here. The healthcare is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
10 upvotes
Dylan Lee
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Riverside) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
8 upvotes
Mia Ruiz
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Raleigh about 2 years ago. The main reasons were weather and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are pricey, gas is pretty good.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
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