Longtime lurker here, I'm a college student here and Let me know your thoughts.
40 upvotes
20 Replies
Rylee Murphy
Used to live on the Lakewood side, now on the Maple Ridge side. Completely different vibe. it's not perfect but it works for me.
35 upvotes
Lydia Bennett
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 55, moved here 6 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The healthcare situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for young professionals. improving vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Baltimore, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
33 upvotes
Ava Ortiz
My experience has been mostly positive. it exceeded my expectations. The only thing I'd watch out for is healthcare. Other than that, Hope this helps!.
31 upvotes
alexander_life
I've been living here for 7 years and I'd say there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The housing market is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
29 upvotes
Natalie
As someone who grew up here, I'm still on the fence after all this time. A lot has changed in the past few years though. public transit used to be much pricey but now it's tough.
29 upvotes
Leonardo Patel
The food scene here is surprisingly good. Tons of great seafood places. I genuinely enjoy living here.
28 upvotes
Allison Roberts
hmm interesting perspective
28 upvotes
Isla
honestly same experience here
26 upvotes
Victoria K.
Bought a house here in 2018 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
25 upvotes
Joshua Hernandez
I'm a physical therapist and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is excellent and there's always something going on.
23 upvotes
Adeline
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
22 upvotes
Wesley Bailey
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 13 years here, that's my honest assessment.
19 upvotes
Aaliyah Kelly
yeah no that's not right
18 upvotes
Alexa P.
I've lived in Downtown for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Active local events and festivals
- The public transit scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Urban sprawl is real
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. Definitely worth checking out..
8 upvotes
Aria Brown
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want dating scene, then yeah this place is great. But if housing market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
7 upvotes
mountain_sarah97
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The pet-friendliness is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
6 upvotes
Bennett
I've lived in Lakewood for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Portland, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The housing market scene is solid
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for families. Feel free to reach out with questions..
5 upvotes
Donald A.
I'm a electrician and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is average and there's always something going on.
3 upvotes
Miles
I've lived in Uptown for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good schools in most areas
- The weather scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for remote workers. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
1 upvotes
Everly Murphy
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Compared to LA it's pretty good.