Longtime lurker here, The unemployment rate is 4.4%, which is about average. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
28 upvotes
19 Replies
aurora_guy
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely pretty good and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Old Town) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
37 upvotes
Isabelle Miller
good to know, thanks
37 upvotes
Ian B.
been saying this for years
37 upvotes
Melanie Carter
I've been living here for 13 years and I'd say the quality of life is solid. The walkability is better than expected compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
37 upvotes
Lydia J.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 5 years. Moved from Portland for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2024 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. manufacturing 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:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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 tough. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Summers can be brutally hot. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, 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.
26 upvotes
Lillian Bennett
Can confirm, been here 7 years.
23 upvotes
Robert Peterson
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 11 years here, that's my honest assessment.
21 upvotes
Colton
I've lived in East for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Lots of new development happening
- The nightlife scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for retirees. Good luck with whatever you decide..
20 upvotes
Chloe
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 9 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the Oak Park 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
Sarah H.
Hot take but it's exactly what I was looking for. I know a lot of people disagree but after 15 years here, that's my honest assessment.
17 upvotes
Valentina C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 37, moved here 6 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Pine Hills and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Limited shopping options
3. The housing market situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for families. average vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Tampa, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
16 upvotes
zoe_heart
Moved here from Charlotte about 8 years ago. I love the pace of life here. Still getting used to food scene but Hope this helps!.
15 upvotes
Roman Edwards
I've been living here for 1 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The traffic is improving compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
13 upvotes
Eli Turner
Moved here last year, no regrets.
8 upvotes
Nora Ross
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
7 upvotes
Levi King
noted, appreciate it
5 upvotes
Matthew C.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 10 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
3 upvotes
Grace K.
wish I knew this sooner
3 upvotes
Nevaeh
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely improving and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Dallas, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
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