Random thought, Homes are going for about $113,800 on average. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
9 upvotes
12 Replies
Maya H.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 57, moved here 10 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Oak Park and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Great outdoor activities nearby
3. Growing food and restaurant scene
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Can feel isolated
3. The food scene situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for remote workers. excellent vibes, walkable.
- West: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Houston, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
39 upvotes
Olivia Peterson
Public transit is excellent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. the quality of life is solid.
36 upvotes
Cora K.
haha yep pretty much
34 upvotes
Isla Harris
I've lived in Lakewood for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Affordable housing options
- The pet-friendliness scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Urban sprawl is real
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for remote workers. No regrets on my end..
32 upvotes
Abigail D.
underrated comment
31 upvotes
Delilah James
glad someone said it
24 upvotes
Natalie Reed
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Minneapolis about 3 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are developing, gas is excellent.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Definitely worth checking out..
23 upvotes
Evelyn W.
I'm a real estate agent and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. The community is decent and there's always something going on.
23 upvotes
Zoe Davis
Bought a house here in 2022 and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
19 upvotes
Jace
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Phoenix and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Sunset. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in construction. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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