OK so It's a a small town city with about 23,492 people. Property taxes are high but you get good services. What would you do?
3 upvotes
6 Replies
Amelia Cook
been saying this for years
24 upvotes
Benjamin L.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it's exactly what I was looking for. Compared to Baltimore it's surprisingly good.
22 upvotes
Brooklyn Rogers
I've lived in Lakewood for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Affordable housing options
- The community vibe scene is improving
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
17 upvotes
Olivia Jones
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Definitely worth checking out..
8 upvotes
Tyler J.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want nightlife, then yeah this place is great. But if healthcare matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
7 upvotes
Jose Ross
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 32, moved here 1 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Eastside and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The dating scene situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for couples. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Houston, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.