Alright, I work in tech and With a population of 28,269, Bergenfield is a smaller city. You can expect to pay around $1,744 for rent here. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
3 upvotes
15 Replies
Violet Garcia
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 10 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
30 upvotes
Leo H.
lol so true
30 upvotes
Bella Bennett
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 1 years. Moved from San Francisco for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have lakes 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 improving. 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. Far from beaches/mountains. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
29 upvotes
Savannah Scott
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely underrated and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Sunset) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare 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.
29 upvotes
Sarah Turner
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want outdoor recreation, then yeah this place is great. But if housing market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
23 upvotes
Landon T.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 38, moved here 13 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Highland and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Good healthcare facilities
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The outdoor recreation situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for remote workers. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Denver, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
20 upvotes
Aiden Miller
My experience has been mostly positive. I'm still on the fence after all this time. The only thing I'd watch out for is pet-friendliness. Other than that, No regrets on my end..
19 upvotes
Joseph S.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Seattle about 9 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Four distinct seasons
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are stable, gas is average.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
17 upvotes
Anna Rodriguez
I'm a writer and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is excellent and there's always something going on.
16 upvotes
Edward W.
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in Highland area are decent. Kids love it here.
13 upvotes
Eliana
good to know, thanks
6 upvotes
Robert W.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 2 years. Moved from Tampa for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have desert landscapes 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 underrated. 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. Far from beaches/mountains. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
6 upvotes
Valentina C.
Can confirm, been here 4 years.
4 upvotes
Christian Ramos
Can confirm, been here 1 years.
3 upvotes
Addison Jones
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Compared to Miami it's average.
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