Hey, I grew up here but left for a while. The unemployment rate is 2.6%, which is pretty low. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Is this normal for Columbia? Looking forward to hearing from you all.
59 upvotes
11 Replies
Ariana Gomez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 10 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
36 upvotes
Hudson H.
Came here for family and stayed because it exceeded my expectations. The cost of living is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
31 upvotes
Adrian Nguyen
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 15 years. Moved from Minneapolis for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
manufacturing 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:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is better than expected - 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. Lakewood schools are improving. 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. Road conditions need improvement. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
Kai Peterson
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
27 upvotes
Audrey Castillo
same here
26 upvotes
Nevaeh Stewart
underrated comment
21 upvotes
melanie_local
Public transit is challenging here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I genuinely enjoy living here.
19 upvotes
Virginia A.
interesting, hadn't considered that
19 upvotes
Xavier Young
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it was the best decision I ever made. Good luck with whatever you decide..
16 upvotes
Carter Peterson
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because I genuinely enjoy living here. The weather is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
4 upvotes
rylee_fan
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 1 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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