Hey folks, We're a young couple and Median household income is $133,953, which feels pretty solid for the area. The unemployment rate is 2.9%, which is pretty low. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The city has invested a lot in new development. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
16 upvotes
21 Replies
Brielle Chavez
Came here for family and stayed because I'm still on the fence after all this time. The housing market is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
40 upvotes
Josiah Parker
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from New York and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in The Heights. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in marketing. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
40 upvotes
Joshua C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 54, moved here 3 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Close to major attractions
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The walkability situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for retirees. improving vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Charlotte, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $40K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
36 upvotes
miamiheart2026
Totally agree!
34 upvotes
Emma Rivera
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Tampa about 5 years ago. The main reasons were family and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are competitive, gas is decent.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
26 upvotes
Cora
this is the way
25 upvotes
Levi Morales
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is healthcare. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Worth doing your research before committing.
25 upvotes
Carol E.
as a local I can confirm
22 upvotes
Kai Wright
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 1 years. Moved from Miami for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is average - we have national forests 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 hit or miss. 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 shopping options. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
Elijah Morales
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely tough and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
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.
17 upvotes
Aurora Rogers
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely pretty good and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene 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.
14 upvotes
Anna Kim
I've been living here for 9 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The weather is decent compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
12 upvotes
Ryan Green
This.
11 upvotes
Mia Sanchez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely decent and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Pine Hills) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Houston, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
8 upvotes
Mia Hernandez
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are hit or miss, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
7 upvotes
Nathan Mitchell
This.
5 upvotes
Brooklyn Bennett
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 3 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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 better than expected. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Limited high-paying job options. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
4 upvotes
Paisley Thomas
Hot take but I'm still on the fence after all this time. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
4 upvotes
Aiden
literally same
1 upvotes
Isabella Castillo
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 57, moved here 8 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Pine Hills and Highland, 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. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The safety situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for retirees. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Charlotte, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$100K 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.
1 upvotes
Liam M.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I have mixed feelings honestly. Compared to Portland it's challenging.
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