Hello, We have two kids and Homes are going for about $290,600 on average. You can expect to pay around $1,463 for rent here. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Does this match your experience?
3 upvotes
14 Replies
Julia
Moved here last year, no regrets.
35 upvotes
Sadie King
I've lived in Lakewood for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good internet infrastructure
- The healthcare scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. Good luck with whatever you decide..
33 upvotes
Amelia Foster
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely average and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Westside) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
32 upvotes
Emily Evans
Weather-wise, the summers are hit or miss and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
31 upvotes
Ethan W.
interesting, hadn't considered that
29 upvotes
Melanie Evans
I've been living here for 14 years and I'd say it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community vibe is excellent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
26 upvotes
madelyn_living
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 9 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
18 upvotes
Mason Brooks
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Pine Hills for 1 years. Moved from Seattle for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is pretty good - 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. Pine Hills schools are solid. 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 high-paying job options. Road conditions need improvement. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
Bobby R.
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Strong job market in several industries
- The healthcare scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. Happy to answer more specific questions..
16 upvotes
Maverick
100%
13 upvotes
evan_mind
I'm a marketing manager and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is excellent and there's always something going on.
10 upvotes
Jace Turner
+1
4 upvotes
Samuel
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 pretty good and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (North) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
3 upvotes
Nicholas B.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 33, moved here 14 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Eastside and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The school system situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for retirees. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$130K 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.
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