Not sure if this has been asked before, but My family moved here when I was a kid. With a population of 1,616, Colwich is a small town. Average temperature is around 57--F, so the weather is moderate. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. What are your go-to spots?
2 upvotes
9 Replies
Wesley
I've been living here for 9 years and I'd say I love the pace of life here. The school system is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
40 upvotes
greyson_fan
Public transit is hit or miss here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I genuinely enjoy living here.
40 upvotes
Brielle James
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely excellent and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Fairview) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
39 upvotes
Sarah White
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I have mixed feelings honestly. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
37 upvotes
Ethan Jones
following this thread
29 upvotes
chicago_adrian
good to know, thanks
22 upvotes
Grayson Gutierrez
Saving this thread
14 upvotes
Hunter Green
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 3 years. Moved from Minneapolis for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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:**
engineering is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have mountains 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 better than expected. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Can feel isolated. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
5 upvotes
Gabriel C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 58, moved here 4 years ago from LA. I've lived in Oak Park and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The nightlife situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for couples. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 LA, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
All Countries
