First post here. The unemployment rate is 2.1%, which is pretty low. It's a a small town city with about 13,877 people. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The city has invested a lot in new development. Is this normal for Elfers? Any help is appreciated. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
4 upvotes
12 Replies
Vivian T.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 31, moved here 10 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Old Town and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The school system situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for families. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 Miami, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
36 upvotes
Carter W.
hard disagree but ok
32 upvotes
Ariana Cooper
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 25, moved here 3 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in West and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Four distinct seasons
2. Close to major attractions
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The traffic situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for young professionals. average vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Charlotte, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $40K-$110K 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.
32 upvotes
Landon G.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely challenging and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (The Heights) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
29 upvotes
Andrew M.
Came here for weather and stayed because the quality of life is solid. The food scene is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
26 upvotes
Caleb Morgan
Moved here from Salt Lake City about 7 years ago. I have mixed feelings honestly. Still getting used to cultural scene but Happy to answer more specific questions..
23 upvotes
Carter Sanders
My experience has been mostly positive. it's been a really good experience overall. The only thing I'd watch out for is safety. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..
21 upvotes
Mateo Martin
Used to live on the Cedar Grove side, now on the The Heights side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
15 upvotes
Wesley Ward
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Atlanta and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Old Town. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in real estate. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Hope this helps!.
15 upvotes
Lillian Evans
Public transit is challenging here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.
13 upvotes
Anna
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. the quality of life is solid. Compared to Phoenix it's tough.
12 upvotes
Axel Nelson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 3 years. Moved from Baltimore for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. retail 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:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have ski resorts 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 surprisingly 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. Rising rent and home prices. Can feel isolated. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
All Countries
