Random thought, I've been here for 1 years and Homes are going for about $218,000 on average. Average temperature is around 62--F, so the weather is moderate. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Cheers.
2 upvotes
12 Replies
Martha J.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 11 years. Moved from Chicago for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is decent - we have biking trails 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 average. 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. Can feel isolated. Homeless population growing downtown. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, 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
Thomas Long
Totally agree!
31 upvotes
Jose C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 26, moved here 11 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Lakewood and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The nightlife situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for remote workers. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$70K 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.
28 upvotes
Alexander Castillo
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 9 years. Moved from LA for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Fairview schools are underrated. 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 a lot of cultural diversity. Can feel isolated. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
happy_carter45
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 35, moved here 3 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Old Town and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The school system situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for families. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Tampa, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$80K 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.
24 upvotes
Angel Parker
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is job market. I love the pace of life here. Worth doing your research before committing.
22 upvotes
Hannah Richardson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Nashville about 2 years ago. The main reasons were work and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Four distinct seasons
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are affordable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. No regrets on my end..
10 upvotes
Anna Scott
following this thread
10 upvotes
Parker Hall
Bought a house here in 2017 and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
10 upvotes
Harper
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I love the pace of life here. Internet is tough in most areas.
7 upvotes
Luna Brown
Bought a house here in 2015 and I genuinely enjoy living here. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
7 upvotes
James R.
Bought a house here in 2021 and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
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