Been meaning to ask this. You can expect to pay around $1,261 for rent here. The median home value here is around $255,900, which seems about average. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. What neighborhoods would you suggest?
11 upvotes
24 Replies
Willow C.
As someone who grew up here, it's been a really good experience overall. A lot has changed in the past few years though. outdoor recreation used to be much developing but now it's surprisingly good.
38 upvotes
Carter Jones
I've lived in Lakewood for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The school system scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for singles. No regrets on my end..
37 upvotes
John W.
underrated comment
36 upvotes
Nova King
same here
36 upvotes
Dylan Ward
couldn't agree more
36 upvotes
Cameron N.
Bought a house here in 2016 and I have mixed feelings honestly. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
34 upvotes
Ian Gonzalez
The food scene here is improving. Tons of great BBQ places. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
33 upvotes
Peyton Cox
Public transit is challenging here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
31 upvotes
Sophia Morales
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Cedar Grove for 11 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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. Cedar Grove 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. Limited public transit options. Chain restaurants dominate. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
Lillian
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The housing market is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
29 upvotes
Gabriella Howard
Bought a house here in 2022 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
28 upvotes
Sophie C.
literally same
27 upvotes
Ava
100%
26 upvotes
Axel C.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Phoenix about 1 years ago. The main reasons were work and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are developing, gas is average.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
26 upvotes
Aaron Cox
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 27, moved here 13 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Oak Park and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The housing market situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for families. tough vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Denver, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
25 upvotes
Evelyn C.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are hit or miss, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
24 upvotes
Paisley Thomas
accurate
23 upvotes
Violet Gutierrez
spot on
14 upvotes
Cameron Wright
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I genuinely enjoy living here. Feel free to reach out with questions..
13 upvotes
Dylan Anderson
accurate
11 upvotes
sacramento_greyson
I'm a real estate agent and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
9 upvotes
Everett Peterson
hmm interesting perspective
3 upvotes
Alan T.
glad someone said it
0 upvotes
Ann M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 45, moved here 4 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Midtown and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The walkability situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for young professionals. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 San Diego, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
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