It's a a smaller city city with about 69,274 people. You can expect to pay around $971 for rent here. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Thoughts? Cheers. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
28 upvotes
6 Replies
Robert Evans
couldn't agree more
38 upvotes
Brielle 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 13 years. Moved from Tampa for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is improving - we have desert landscapes 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 solid. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Bugs and humidity in summer. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
charlotte_fan
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in South area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
27 upvotes
Avery M.
I've been living here for 12 years and I'd say I love the pace of life here. The nightlife is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
22 upvotes
James Evans
underrated comment
15 upvotes
Luke Alvarez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Atlanta about 9 years ago. The main reasons were school and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Strong job market in several industries
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are competitive, gas is pretty good.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Definitely worth checking out..
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