I've been here for 4 years and You can expect to pay around $934 for rent here. Median household income is $51,699, which feels on the lower side for the area. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Any advice would be great. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
13 upvotes
3 Replies
Madeline C.
I've lived in Lakewood for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Close to major attractions
- The nightlife scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for young professionals. Good luck with whatever you decide..
23 upvotes
columbus_ava
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 55, moved here 6 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Uptown and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Can feel isolated
3. The walkability situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for remote workers. solid vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Portland, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
15 upvotes
Arianna Cruz
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely average and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Eastside) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
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.
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