I've been here for 18 years and Rent is about $1,009/month for a decent place. Median household income is $70,532, which feels about average for the area. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Anyone in a similar situation? The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The suburbs are where most families end up. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. 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. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
14 upvotes
6 Replies
Jose Young
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Nashville about 7 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Decent public transit for the size
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are pricey, gas is decent.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Happy to answer more specific questions..
32 upvotes
Anna Smith
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
31 upvotes
Mackenzie Wood
We moved here with our family and it's not perfect but it works for me. Schools in Midtown area are excellent. Kids love it here.
23 upvotes
Evelyn Mendoza
nah I disagree
17 upvotes
Maya Anderson
this is the way
1 upvotes
Axel Lewis
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 3 years. Moved from Raleigh for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is decent - 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 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Dating scene is rough. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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