Curious what people think. Average temperature is around 53--F, so expect cold winters.
21 upvotes
19 Replies
Dominic Kelly
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
36 upvotes
Gianna Robinson
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Definitely worth checking out..
35 upvotes
Nolan Mitchell
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want pet-friendliness, then yeah this place is great. But if outdoor recreation matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
35 upvotes
Joseph S.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is nightlife. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
32 upvotes
Abigail Evans
been saying this for years
31 upvotes
Olivia Cox
I'm a project manager and I've found the quality of life is solid. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
31 upvotes
Sarah G.
Moved here from Seattle about 3 years ago. I love the pace of life here. Still getting used to safety but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
28 upvotes
Logan H.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely average and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Maple Ridge) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
27 upvotes
Nicole S.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I genuinely enjoy living here. Internet is challenging in most areas.
25 upvotes
Nora Nguyen
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 11 years. Moved from Charlotte for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is tough - we have state parks 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 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Road conditions need improvement. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
Oliver Gomez
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is healthcare. I have mixed feelings honestly. Worth doing your research before committing.
14 upvotes
Alexa Price
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 5 years. Moved from Portland for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. hospitality 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 hit or miss - 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. Downtown schools are surprisingly good. 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. Far from beaches/mountains. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Ethan Howard
glad someone said it
9 upvotes
Jacob
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Internet is decent in most areas.
4 upvotes
Piper Torres
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 49, moved here 2 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Lakewood and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The weather situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for young professionals. improving vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Baltimore, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $100K-$120K 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.
3 upvotes
Grace Young
seconding this
2 upvotes
Gary T.
lol so true
2 upvotes
Barbara R.
This.
2 upvotes
Jack C.
Weather-wise, the summers are surprisingly good and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.