Hey everyone, I'm a teacher here and You can expect to pay around $1,665 for rent here. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Should I be concerned? It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
9 upvotes
5 Replies
Declan Murphy
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely hit or miss and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Downtown) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Pittsburgh, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
40 upvotes
Hunter Robinson
Weather-wise, the summers are surprisingly good and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
31 upvotes
Michael Harris
nah I disagree
19 upvotes
Emily Roberts
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 5 years. Moved from Charlotte for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have lakes 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 decent. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Far from beaches/mountains. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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