Not sure if this has been asked before, but We have two kids and Median household income is $128,167, which feels pretty solid for the area. With a population of 107K, Centennial is a mid-size city. Poverty rate is 1.9%, which is pretty low. The unemployment rate is 2.5%, which is pretty low. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The suburbs are where most families end up. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Has anyone dealt with this? TIA! It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The weather takes some getting used to. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The weather takes some getting used to. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
29 upvotes
8 Replies
Elizabeth Howard
I've lived in Lakewood for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Tampa, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The safety scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Limited shopping options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for singles. Hope this helps!.
40 upvotes
Kaylee Cox
yep
34 upvotes
Elizabeth Gutierrez
facts
20 upvotes
Eva N.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Boston about 4 years ago. The main reasons were weather and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good internet infrastructure
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are growing, gas is tough.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Hope this helps!.
15 upvotes
Madison J.
The food scene here is challenging. Tons of great sushi places. it's been a really good experience overall.
13 upvotes
nashvillerunner2020
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely excellent and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (South) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Road conditions need improvement.
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.
13 upvotes
nevaeh_vibes
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 1 years. Moved from Phoenix for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. hospitality 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:**
the quality of life is solid. 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. South schools are average. 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. Homeless population growing downtown. Bugs and humidity in summer. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
All Countries
