Been meaning to ask this. I've been here for 20 years and You can expect to pay around $1,413 for rent here. Rent is about $1,413/month for a decent place. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Thanks! It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
8 upvotes
6 Replies
Zoe
it depends on the neighborhood
39 upvotes
Kai S.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Cedar Grove for 8 years. Moved from LA for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2021 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. government 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:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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. Cedar Grove 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. Dating scene is rough. Homeless population growing downtown. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
Nova Ortiz
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. the quality of life is solid. Compared to Baltimore it's hit or miss.
28 upvotes
Violet Flores
Bought a house here in 2022 and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
27 upvotes
Joseph S.
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 LA for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. engineering 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:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have national forests 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 hit or miss. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Can feel isolated. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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