My partner and I are Average temperature is around 56--F, so the weather is moderate. The unemployment rate is 1.7%, which is pretty low. With a population of 1,020, Bassett is a small town. Homes are going for about $186,100 on average. Poverty rate is 1.7%, which is pretty low. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
Pros:
- Close to nature
- Low taxes
- Good airport connections
Cons:
- Sprawl everywhere
- Poor road conditions
- Not enough green space
The suburbs are where most families end up. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The city has invested a lot in new development. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The weather takes some getting used to. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
5 upvotes
15 Replies
Genesis
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cultural scene. I love the pace of life here. Worth doing your research before committing.
33 upvotes
Michael Foster
noted, appreciate it
33 upvotes
Alice Robinson
preach
32 upvotes
Aiden Rodriguez
preach
30 upvotes
Cora C.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely average and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
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.
28 upvotes
Jacob G.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
27 upvotes
Maria W.
spot on
23 upvotes
Amy P.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Seattle about 8 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Close to major attractions
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are stable, gas is improving.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Happy to answer more specific questions..
19 upvotes
Willow Adams
As someone who grew up here, it's exactly what I was looking for. A lot has changed in the past few years though. traffic used to be much manageable but now it's decent.
17 upvotes
Bennett Bailey
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 13 years. Moved from San Diego for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2022 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. retail 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 underrated - we have mountains 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. Winters are long and cold. Road conditions need improvement. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
17 upvotes
Sara M.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Chicago and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in West. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in marketing. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Hope this helps!.
17 upvotes
raised_isaiah30
I've lived in Downtown for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Portland, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Active local events and festivals
- The healthcare scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. No regrets on my end..
13 upvotes
Gabriel L.
yeah no that's not right
3 upvotes
Kennedy Young
I'm a accountant and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is decent and there's always something going on.
3 upvotes
Violet Mendoza
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are improving, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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