Hey, I grew up here but left for a while. Crime rate is something to consider -Big Flats sits at 277.8 per 100K. The unemployment rate is 1.5%, which is pretty low. The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. What are your go-to spots? Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
9 upvotes
6 Replies
Gloria D.
My experience has been mostly positive. it's not perfect but it works for me. The only thing I'd watch out for is job market. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
35 upvotes
Audrey M.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's exactly what I was looking for. Good luck with whatever you decide..
26 upvotes
Adeline
I've been living here for 8 years and I'd say the quality of life is solid. The walkability is excellent compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
21 upvotes
Caleb Turner
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want housing market, then yeah this place is great. But if outdoor recreation matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
16 upvotes
Isaac
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Denver and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in The Heights. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in construction. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
2 upvotes
Sophia Kim
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 4 years. Moved from Austin for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. construction 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 improved dramatically in recent years. 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 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Dating scene is rough. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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