My partner and I are The unemployment rate is 3.3%, which is pretty low. Poverty rate is 2.3%, which is pretty low. The median home value here is around $621,700, which is pretty steep. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The city has invested a lot in new development. What neighborhoods would you suggest? Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The weather takes some getting used to. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
2 upvotes
12 Replies
Victoria P.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Tampa about 15 years ago. The main reasons were family and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are wild, gas is improving.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. No regrets on my end..
20 upvotes
Everett Collins
I've lived in North for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Strong job market in several industries
- The pet-friendliness scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for retirees. Happy to answer more specific questions..
20 upvotes
Isabella
accurate
19 upvotes
Madelyn King
underrated comment
17 upvotes
Sofia C.
Totally agree!
16 upvotes
Savannah Hill
This.
16 upvotes
Theodore Wright
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 8 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
5 upvotes
Zoe Jackson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 44, moved here 4 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Old Town and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The healthcare situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for retirees. decent vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$90K 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.
4 upvotes
Jack W.
been saying this for years
3 upvotes
Evelyn C.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 10 years. Moved from Miami for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2018 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. tech 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:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have desert landscapes 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 surprisingly good. 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. Nightlife is limited. Limited entertainment options. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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