Just moved here 2 months ago and Rent is about $956/month for a decent place. With a population of 2,338, Cetronia is a small town. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Is this normal for Cetronia? The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
6 upvotes
11 Replies
Bennett
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Salt Lake City and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Fairview. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in engineering. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
38 upvotes
Joseph Long
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Compared to Pittsburgh it's decent.
36 upvotes
Jaxon Collins
Hot take but it's improved dramatically in recent years. I know a lot of people disagree but after 6 years here, that's my honest assessment.
32 upvotes
Everly Hernandez
glad someone said it
32 upvotes
Catherine E.
100%
26 upvotes
Wyatt Ward
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
24 upvotes
Waylon Carter
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 4 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
20 upvotes
Theodore Harris
Can confirm, been here 12 years.
13 upvotes
Michael
glad someone said it
13 upvotes
Michael Cruz
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 57, moved here 6 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Meadowbrook and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The healthcare situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for young professionals. average 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 Chicago, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$140K 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.
11 upvotes
Reagan Phillips
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 14 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is average - we have beaches 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 challenging. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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