Been meaning to ask this. I'm a college student here and Household incomes average around $84,276 in Brooklyn Park. The suburbs are where most families end up. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. What do you all think? The food scene here is surprisingly good. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
7 upvotes
15 Replies
Zoey S.
Bought a house here in 2018 and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
39 upvotes
Savannah Turner
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 1 years. Moved from Minneapolis for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Lakewood schools are average. 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. Homeless population growing downtown. Bugs and humidity in summer. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Oliver Walker
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely tough and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Fairview) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
33 upvotes
Joseph
underrated comment
30 upvotes
Brooklyn C.
Can confirm, been here 9 years.
24 upvotes
Valentina Mendoza
underrated comment
20 upvotes
Elena R.
glad someone said it
20 upvotes
David Garcia
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
16 upvotes
Adeline Ruiz
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in North area are solid. Kids love it here.
16 upvotes
Carter
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely improving and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Westside) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
15 upvotes
Adam Jackson
Weather-wise, the summers are surprisingly good and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.
14 upvotes
Jack Moore
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 36, moved here 12 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Affordable housing options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The housing market situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for retirees. 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
5 upvotes
Kevin R.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
2 upvotes
Owen Rodriguez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 41, moved here 8 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Westside and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The dating scene situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for couples. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Raleigh, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
2 upvotes
milwaukeemama2022
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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