Longtime lurker here, I've been here for 6 years and Poverty rate is 8.3%, which is pretty low. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Would love some local perspective.
6 upvotes
13 Replies
bostonpapa2021
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cultural scene, then yeah this place is great. But if food scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
36 upvotes
Angel Sanders
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely challenging and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Westside) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Denver, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
36 upvotes
tucson_allison
Weather-wise, the summers are excellent and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
35 upvotes
Quinn Roberts
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cultural scene. it was the best decision I ever made. Worth doing your research before committing.
34 upvotes
Olivia
I'm a lawyer and I've found it exceeded my expectations. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
29 upvotes
Ellie Reyes
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 9 years. Moved from Tampa for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. consulting 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 underrated - we have biking trails 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 excellent. 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 outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
29 upvotes
Ezekiel Phillips
literally same
28 upvotes
Julia Baker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 58, moved here 7 years ago from New York. I've lived in Eastside 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. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The weather situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for remote workers. improving 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 New York, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $70K-$140K 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.
27 upvotes
Waylon Turner
glad someone said it
24 upvotes
Carson Howard
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 44, moved here 7 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Sunset and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The weather situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for couples. solid vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Baltimore, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $50K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
15 upvotes
Sophie
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Compared to Tampa it's excellent.
13 upvotes
Grace Evans
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Phoenix about 15 years ago. The main reasons were weather and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Affordable housing options
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are affordable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Good luck with whatever you decide..
10 upvotes
Sofia Cooper
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 14 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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