Druid Hills quality of life -am I missing something?
So, It's a a small town city with about 8,278 people. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
5 upvotes
12 Replies
Sebastian M.
Moved here from Austin about 7 years ago. it's been a really good experience overall. Still getting used to cost of living but Hope this helps!.
35 upvotes
Sarah Hughes
Came here for retirement and stayed because I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community vibe is honestly underrated and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
35 upvotes
Emilia Allen
Bought a house here in 2024 and I have mixed feelings honestly. Property values have gone about the same since then.
35 upvotes
Everett
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 Minneapolis for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have rivers 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. Homeless population growing downtown. Far from beaches/mountains. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
28 upvotes
Xavier Mendoza
+1
25 upvotes
Claire J.
Bought a house here in 2021 and I love the pace of life here. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
21 upvotes
Deborah R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Houston about 10 years ago. The main reasons were family and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are stable, gas is solid.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Feel free to reach out with questions..
18 upvotes
Nevaeh R.
Saving this thread
15 upvotes
Genesis Perez
I'm a project manager and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.