I relocated for work and Poverty rate is 27.0%, which is higher than I expected. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Thoughts? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
2 upvotes
6 Replies
philly_jordan
I've lived in Greenfield for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Lots of new development happening
- The weather scene is solid
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Happy to answer more specific questions..
40 upvotes
Cooper Hill
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 9 years. Moved from Denver for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is decent - 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 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Bugs and humidity in summer. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
dominic_papa
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
39 upvotes
Parker Nguyen
accurate
38 upvotes
Emilia
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Boston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Springfield. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in construction. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like seafood.