Random thought, I've been here for 12 years and Median household income is $92,596, which feels pretty solid for the area. You can expect to pay around $1,086 for rent here. Average temperature is around 47--F, so expect cold winters. Crime rate is something to consider -Burt sits at 333.3 per 100K. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The weather takes some getting used to. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Worth the trade-offs? The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
13 upvotes
14 Replies
Landon Sanchez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 55, moved here 2 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Sunset and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The job market situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for families. challenging vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Boston, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $80K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
40 upvotes
Lydia Lewis
great question, following
39 upvotes
Luca Howard
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Pittsburgh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Pine Hills. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in legal. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Definitely worth checking out..
38 upvotes
Hudson S.
hmm interesting perspective
35 upvotes
Jackson Phillips
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely excellent and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (South) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Dating scene is rough.
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.
35 upvotes
Alexa Taylor
not my experience at all
33 upvotes
Ella Cook
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.
30 upvotes
Maya Kelly
I work in legal here and it's exactly what I was looking for. The job market for my field is decent. Feel free to reach out with questions..
24 upvotes
Evan P.
I've lived in Lakewood for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good healthcare facilities
- The outdoor recreation scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for remote workers. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
18 upvotes
Jack B.
I've lived in Lakewood for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Decent public transit for the size
- The cost of living scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for couples. Feel free to reach out with questions..
17 upvotes
Bobby T.
seconding this
11 upvotes
Jace Cook
Moved here from Salt Lake City about 8 years ago. it's not perfect but it works for me. Still getting used to healthcare but Feel free to reach out with questions..
10 upvotes
Michael J.
accurate
4 upvotes
Parker Nguyen
I've lived in Maple Ridge for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Good internet infrastructure
- The public transit scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for young professionals. Good luck with whatever you decide..