It's a a mid-size city city with about 136K people. Poverty rate is 11.6%, which is around average. Average temperature is around 56°F, so the weather is moderate. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Any advice would be great. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The food scene here is surprisingly good. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
8 upvotes
17 Replies
sunny_chloe11
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely improving and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Springfield) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
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.
36 upvotes
Jackson L.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 12 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the Sunset side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
34 upvotes
Scarlett Turner
Came here for cost of living and stayed because there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The cost of living is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
31 upvotes
Leonardo Ramirez
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want healthcare, then yeah this place is great. But if job market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
31 upvotes
mountain_valentina3
I've been living here for 7 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The pet-friendliness is decent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
30 upvotes
benjamin_vibes
been saying this for years
29 upvotes
Benjamin Roberts
I'm a electrician and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
28 upvotes
Isabella Jones
I'm a pharmacist and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
25 upvotes
David Richardson
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's not perfect but it works for me.
23 upvotes
Matthew Rogers
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Happy to answer more specific questions..
21 upvotes
Jacob Castillo
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. it's not perfect but it works for me. Worth doing your research before committing.
19 upvotes
Brielle Jimenez
noted, appreciate it
17 upvotes
Hunter Campbell
been saying this for years
17 upvotes
Aubrey Allen
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I love the pace of life here. Internet is decent in most areas.
12 upvotes
Luke Campbell
I've lived in Lakewood for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Salt Lake City, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Strong job market in several industries
- The job market scene is average
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for singles. Hope this helps!.
12 upvotes
kayden_heart
As someone who grew up here, it was the best decision I ever made. A lot has changed in the past few years though. food scene used to be much established but now it's pretty good.
6 upvotes
Piper King
Public transit is solid here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I love the pace of life here.
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