It's a a small town city with about 11,406 people. Crime rate is something to consider -Elk City sits at 113.0 per 100K. Household incomes average around $49,500 in Elk City. Median household income is $49,500, which feels on the lower side for the area. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. What neighborhoods would you suggest? Property taxes are high but you get good services. The weather takes some getting used to. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The suburbs are where most families end up.
2 upvotes
8 Replies
Caroline
As someone who grew up here, it exceeded my expectations. A lot has changed in the past few years though. pet-friendliness used to be much competitive but now it's tough.
37 upvotes
Kelly W.
Came here for cost of living and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The dating scene is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
33 upvotes
Luna Long
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
33 upvotes
Victoria R.
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because it's not perfect but it works for me. The cultural scene is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
23 upvotes
Scarlett Cooper
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 2 years. Moved from San Diego for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have beaches 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 underrated. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Bugs and humidity in summer. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
9 upvotes
Mateo White
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely better than expected and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (South) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
6 upvotes
Ezra
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it exceeded my expectations. Internet is decent in most areas.
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