Hey, The unemployment rate is 7.8%, which is concerning. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
5 upvotes
12 Replies
Olivia B.
I've lived in The Heights for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Decent public transit for the size
- The healthcare scene is tough
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. Happy to answer more specific questions..
40 upvotes
Scarlett Young
seconding this
38 upvotes
Willow M.
lol so true
33 upvotes
Landon Foster
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 25, moved here 15 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Lakewood and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The cost of living situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for young professionals. excellent vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
31 upvotes
Audrey Lopez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely better than expected and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
24 upvotes
Bennett Hill
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Houston about 4 years ago. The main reasons were weather and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Four distinct seasons
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are competitive, gas is better than expected.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Feel free to reach out with questions..
24 upvotes
Andrew Martinez
same here
17 upvotes
Carter Ortiz
hard disagree but ok
13 upvotes
jaxmama2026
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 14 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into running, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the Greenfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
12 upvotes
Clara White
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it exceeded my expectations. Internet is improving in most areas.
5 upvotes
Easton
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 8 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2023 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:**
hospitality is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have ski resorts 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 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. Limited public transit options. Urban sprawl is real. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
2 upvotes
Vivian Wilson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 9 years. Moved from Phoenix for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. education 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 wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is better than expected - 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. South 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. Property taxes are high. Bugs and humidity in summer. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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