Longtime lurker here, It's a a small town city with about 10,288 people. You can expect to pay around $1,373 for rent here. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
15 upvotes
7 Replies
Isaac Murphy
Bought a house here in 2020 and the quality of life is solid. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
35 upvotes
Maya Allen
yeah no that's not right
26 upvotes
Sophia Edwards
Totally agree!
25 upvotes
Ruby Williams
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 10 years. Moved from Austin for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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:**
engineering is strong here. healthcare 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's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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 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. Nightlife is limited. Can feel isolated. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
Noah Stewart
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 53, moved here 9 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Fairview and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Active local events and festivals
2. Diverse dining options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The safety situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for retirees. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Dallas, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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
Isabella Gonzalez
hard disagree but ok
16 upvotes
Madeline T.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is school system. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Worth doing your research before committing.
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