Hey everyone, With a population of 31,700, Bethany is a smaller city. Crime rate is something to consider -Bethany sits at 134.5 per 100K. The median home value here is around $699,200, which is pretty steep. Poverty rate is 2.3%, which is pretty low. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Should I be concerned? Thanks in advance! People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
28 upvotes
10 Replies
Naomi Allen
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 San Francisco for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2021 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is average - 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. Lakewood schools are decent. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Not very walkable outside downtown. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Charlotte Allen
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Chicago about 2 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are reasonable, gas is improving.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
33 upvotes
dcvibes2023
Bought a house here in 2022 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone about the same since then.
30 upvotes
Sophia Hughes
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it was the best decision I ever made. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
29 upvotes
Willow
big facts right here
24 upvotes
Bennett K.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 24, moved here 11 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Lakewood and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The school system situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for singles. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Raleigh, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $80K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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
Eli C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 56, moved here 4 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The job market situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for singles. decent 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $70K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
19 upvotes
indyguy2020
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 1 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Midtown side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
15 upvotes
Eliana J.
Can confirm, been here 6 years.
13 upvotes
Cora
Used to live on the Old Town side, now on the Eastside side. Completely different vibe. it's exactly what I was looking for.
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