Average temperature is around 56--F, so the weather is moderate. Homes are going for about $329,200 on average. With a population of 17,302, Bon Air is a small town. Household incomes average around $97,620 in Bon Air. The unemployment rate is 2.4%, which is pretty low. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The city has invested a lot in new development. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Am I overthinking this? Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The weather takes some getting used to. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. 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.
12 upvotes
5 Replies
Genesis Ramos
I've lived in Lakewood for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Lots of new development happening
- Active local events and festivals
- The school system scene is tough
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Feel free to reach out with questions..
34 upvotes
Oliver Watson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 11 years. Moved from Phoenix for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. legal 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 wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown schools are pretty good. 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. Winters are long and cold. Road conditions need improvement. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
25 upvotes
Abigail D.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Minneapolis and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in North. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in government. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Thai.
No regrets on my end..
16 upvotes
Gabriella Gomez
100%
11 upvotes
Isaiah Lewis
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. Definitely worth checking out..