Hey, I've been here for 10 years and The unemployment rate is 5.5%, which is about average. Poverty rate is 21.8%, which is higher than I expected. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. What neighborhoods would you suggest? The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
4 upvotes
5 Replies
Dylan Martin
I work in consulting here and it exceeded my expectations. The job market for my field is hit or miss. Good luck with whatever you decide..
32 upvotes
orlandopapa2022
As someone who grew up here, the quality of life is solid. A lot has changed in the past few years though. pet-friendliness used to be much growing but now it's underrated.
31 upvotes
Nathan Cook
I've lived in Lakewood for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The safety scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. Happy to answer more specific questions..
22 upvotes
Kennedy D.
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 9 years here, that's my honest assessment.
12 upvotes
Quinn M.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 10 years. Moved from San Diego for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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:**
construction is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Fairview 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. Rising rent and home prices. Not very walkable outside downtown. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.