Hey, Average temperature is around 46--F, so expect cold winters. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
1 upvotes
13 Replies
Amelia Thompson
I'm a accountant and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community is solid and there's always something going on.
40 upvotes
Joseph W.
As someone who grew up here, the quality of life is solid. A lot has changed in the past few years though. housing market used to be much competitive but now it's pretty good.
32 upvotes
Hazel Richardson
preach
29 upvotes
Genesis
exactly what I was thinking
19 upvotes
Caleb S.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely excellent and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (West) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
17 upvotes
Caleb
hard disagree but ok
16 upvotes
Carson Miller
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 1 years. Moved from Denver for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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. manufacturing 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:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is tough - 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. West schools are solid. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Property taxes are high. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
14 upvotes
Roman Green
I've lived in Lakewood for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good schools in most areas
- The job market scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Can feel isolated
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. Feel free to reach out with questions..
14 upvotes
Carson Diaz
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in South area are excellent. Kids love it here.
13 upvotes
coastal_colton73
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's not perfect but it works for me. Internet is surprisingly good in most areas.
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