Curious what people think. Just moved here 11 months ago and It's a a small town city with about 5,849 people. Poverty rate is 13.8%, which is around average. Crime rate is something to consider -Eagleton Village sits at 736.6 per 100K. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Should I be concerned? The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The suburbs are where most families end up. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The suburbs are where most families end up. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
10 upvotes
9 Replies
Carson Davis
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely decent and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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
Joseph Lee
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 1 years. Moved from Houston for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2023 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:**
legal is strong here. finance 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:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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 challenging. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Chain restaurants dominate. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
charlottesoul2022
Bought a house here in 2022 and it's not perfect but it works for me. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
34 upvotes
Kai Nelson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 2 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
32 upvotes
Isla B.
I've been living here for 8 years and I'd say I genuinely enjoy living here. The food scene is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..
32 upvotes
Emilia Rodriguez
following this thread
29 upvotes
Dylan Gutierrez
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
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