Not sure if this has been asked before, but Property taxes are high but you get good s
13 upvotes
4 Replies
Sophia M.
glad someone said it
33 upvotes
Sophia C.
+1
22 upvotes
Willow
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from San Francisco about 7 years ago. The main reasons were family and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Affordable housing options
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Dating scene is rough
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are reasonable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Feel free to reach out with questions..
8 upvotes
Ryan
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 5 years. Moved from Seattle for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. legal 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:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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 tough. 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. Homeless population growing downtown. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.