Random thought, The median home value here is around $160,000, which is actually reasonable. Median household income is $54,029, which feels on the lower side for the area. The weather takes some getting used to. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Would love some local perspective. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up. The weather takes some getting used to. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
27 upvotes
16 Replies
Hunter
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 40, moved here 6 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Highland and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The weather situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for families. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 Boston, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K 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.
40 upvotes
Aria Brown
As someone who grew up here, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. A lot has changed in the past few years though. pet-friendliness used to be much competitive but now it's solid.
39 upvotes
Everett Sanders
As someone who grew up here, it's improved dramatically in recent years. A lot has changed in the past few years though. weather used to be much developing but now it's solid.
39 upvotes
Evan H.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely hit or miss and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Maple Ridge) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. safety 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.
34 upvotes
Kennedy C.
yep
31 upvotes
Eli Turner
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it's not perfect but it works for me. Compared to Phoenix it's solid.
29 upvotes
Delilah Robinson
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 2 years here, that's my honest assessment.
28 upvotes
Everett Morris
I've lived in Lakewood for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good internet infrastructure
- The dating scene scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
20 upvotes
Billy R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 41, moved here 14 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Uptown and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Limited shopping options
3. The job market situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for remote workers. surprisingly good 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 Houston, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
20 upvotes
Aubrey Lopez
same here
19 upvotes
Adrian B.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is nightlife. I have mixed feelings honestly. Worth doing your research before committing.
14 upvotes
Jonathan Young
Bought a house here in 2023 and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
13 upvotes
Weston Robinson
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
12 upvotes
Sophia Edwards
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
11 upvotes
Levi
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 2 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
4 upvotes
Roman Ward
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely excellent and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (West) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Pittsburgh, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
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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