Hey, Average temperature is around 40--F, so bundle up in winter. Poverty rate is 7.3%, which is pretty low. The city has invested a lot in new development. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The city has invested a lot in new development. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up. The weather takes some getting used to. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
1 upvotes
15 Replies
Leah G.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 5 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
38 upvotes
Carolyn C.
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. job market used to be much established but now it's underrated.
36 upvotes
Ryan Young
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Minneapolis and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Uptown. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Definitely worth checking out..
35 upvotes
Kayden Martin
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want weather, then yeah this place is great. But if food scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
33 upvotes
miamilocal2020
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely hit or miss and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Eastside) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene is completely different here. And Limited shopping 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.
33 upvotes
Amelia Green
yeah no that's not right
33 upvotes
Carter Thompson
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is walkability. it exceeded my expectations. Worth doing your research before committing.
29 upvotes
Isabelle Ruiz
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 12 years. Moved from Nashville for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East schools are decent. 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. Bugs and humidity in summer. Far from beaches/mountains. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
28 upvotes
Liam Turner
Public transit is excellent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.
23 upvotes
Mark C.
great question, following
16 upvotes
Easton T.
My experience has been mostly positive. it was the best decision I ever made. The only thing I'd watch out for is cost of living. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
8 upvotes
Logan Nguyen
not my experience at all
8 upvotes
Harper Martinez
I've lived in Lakewood for about 2 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 Austin, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good healthcare facilities
- The weather scene is decent
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for remote workers. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
6 upvotes
Delilah Reyes
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want walkability, then yeah this place is great. But if safety matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
4 upvotes
Sofia M.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Internet is solid in most areas.
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