Not sure if this has been asked before, but I work in media and You can expect to pay around $710 for rent here. The median home value here is around $107,000, which is actually reasonable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Thoughts? The city has invested a lot in new development. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
4 upvotes
4 Replies
Hannah Wilson
I've lived in Lakewood for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Lots of new development happening
- The job market scene is improving
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for remote workers. Good luck with whatever you decide..
25 upvotes
Ryan Y.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 33, moved here 7 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Springfield and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The food scene situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for singles. improving vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Seattle, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$140K 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.
21 upvotes
Aiden T.
As someone who grew up here, it's exactly what I was looking for. A lot has changed in the past few years though. cultural scene used to be much competitive but now it's surprisingly good.
8 upvotes
Logan Jones
As someone who grew up here, I have mixed feelings honestly. A lot has changed in the past few years though. school system used to be much affordable but now it's decent.