Hey, I'm a remote worker and The unemployment rate is 3.1%, which is pretty low. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The weather takes some getting used to. Appreciate any input. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
23 upvotes
13 Replies
Addison L.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
37 upvotes
Reagan Morales
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 10 years. Moved from San Francisco for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Eastside schools are surprisingly good. 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. Road conditions need improvement. Bugs and humidity in summer. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
Donald A.
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
35 upvotes
miami_arianna
hard disagree but ok
34 upvotes
Kayla R.
Bought a house here in 2018 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
29 upvotes
Hudson J.
this is the way
21 upvotes
Adeline Cook
glad someone said it
17 upvotes
miamichef2024
This.
16 upvotes
Reagan Bailey
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 8 years. Moved from Portland for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2019 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. engineering 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:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are hit or miss. 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. Far from beaches/mountains. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
14 upvotes
Kaylee Kim
facts
13 upvotes
Harper Richardson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 7 years. Moved from Nashville for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is surprisingly 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. Lakewood 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. Nightlife is limited. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Violet Turner
this is the way
6 upvotes
Carson Ramos
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely underrated and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Downtown) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Chain restaurants dominate.
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.
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