Hi all, Homes are going for about $130,200 on average. You can expect to pay around $736 for rent here. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Should I be concerned? Any help is appreciated. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
9 upvotes
10 Replies
eva_mind
As someone who grew up here, it's exactly what I was looking for. A lot has changed in the past few years though. public transit used to be much stable but now it's pretty good.
39 upvotes
Abigail Campbell
Public transit is solid here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
23 upvotes
Autumn Watson
The food scene here is hit or miss. Tons of great Southern places. I love the pace of life here.
23 upvotes
Aurora Rodriguez
This.
16 upvotes
Clara Baker
seconding this
13 upvotes
Kaylee Baker
following this thread
9 upvotes
Aaron T.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 28, moved here 11 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Highland and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The school system situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for remote workers. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 Houston, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $90K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
7 upvotes
brielle_chef
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 New York for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have hiking 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 excellent. 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. Property taxes are high. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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