Been meaning to ask this. I'm a 46-year-old graphic designer and The median home value here is around $243,100, which is actually reasonable. Rent is about $903/month for a decent place. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Thoughts? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
14 upvotes
7 Replies
Carson W.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Raleigh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Lakewood. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in retail. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
32 upvotes
Leo Clark
bump
29 upvotes
Samantha S.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 9 years. Moved from Baltimore for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. hospitality 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 hit or miss - 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. Lakewood schools are pretty 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Far from beaches/mountains. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
28 upvotes
Serenity Torres
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 9 years. Moved from Denver for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2019 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. legal 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 tough - 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. Sunset 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. Winters are long and cold. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
Maverick
I've lived in Old Town for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good internet infrastructure
- The weather scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for couples. No regrets on my end..
12 upvotes
Christian
I've been living here for 3 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The safety is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..
12 upvotes
Ellie L.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely underrated and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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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