Curious what people think. I'm retired and You can expect to pay around $792 for rent here. Household incomes average around $49,500 in California. Average temperature is around 53--F, so expect cold winters. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The weather takes some getting used to. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The suburbs are where most families end up. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
7 upvotes
14 Replies
Robert C.
I've lived in Lakewood for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The cost of living scene is improving
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
38 upvotes
Sophia Peterson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Portland and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in West. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in real estate. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Definitely worth checking out..
38 upvotes
Lydia Collins
I've lived in Greenfield for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good airport with direct flights
- The job market scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Limited entertainment options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. Feel free to reach out with questions..
37 upvotes
Jaxon Lewis
The food scene here is surprisingly good. Tons of great craft beer places. the quality of life is solid.
29 upvotes
Jace Jackson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Denver and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in West. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Hope this helps!.
25 upvotes
Audrey Torres
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
23 upvotes
Carson
same here
21 upvotes
tucsondude2022
I've been living here for 5 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The cost of living is pretty good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
16 upvotes
Evelyn M.
Public transit is hit or miss here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it was the best decision I ever made.
7 upvotes
Charlotte Howard
100%
6 upvotes
Austin Myers
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 49, moved here 15 years ago from LA. I've lived in East and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The job market situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for remote workers. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 LA, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
6 upvotes
Kyle Y.
I work in education here and it's been a really good experience overall. The job market for my field is better than expected. No regrets on my end..
2 upvotes
Henry Alvarez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely improving and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Old Town) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Limited public transit 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.
2 upvotes
Jameson Patel
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 11 years here, that's my honest assessment.
All Countries
