Hi all, Has anyone dealt with this? There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
20 upvotes
15 Replies
Robert Watson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Midtown. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in real estate. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Hope this helps!.
40 upvotes
brooklyn_rider
We moved here with our family and it was the best decision I ever made. Schools in Lakewood area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
37 upvotes
Kai Brooks
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 1 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into running, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
35 upvotes
Andrew R.
hmm interesting perspective
32 upvotes
Kaylee Kim
Totally agree!
28 upvotes
Serenity Phillips
as a local I can confirm
25 upvotes
Clara W.
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 Atlanta for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. 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 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is tough - we have state parks 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. Property taxes are high. Homeless population growing downtown. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
25 upvotes
William S.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
22 upvotes
Aiden
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 3 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the Greenfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
14 upvotes
urban_david20
bump
12 upvotes
Everett R.
My experience has been mostly positive. it's exactly what I was looking for. The only thing I'd watch out for is cultural scene. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
11 upvotes
Kayden Edwards
+1
4 upvotes
Doris O.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Raleigh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Meadowbrook. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in engineering. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Definitely worth checking out..
4 upvotes
Greyson Green
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Dallas and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Fairview. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in construction. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
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