OK so I'm retired and The unemployment rate is 3.5%, which is pretty low. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Any advice would be great. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The city has invested a lot in new development. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
3 upvotes
13 Replies
Daniel Lopez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Raleigh about 12 years ago. The main reasons were work and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are manageable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Hope this helps!.
39 upvotes
Levi Sanders
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cost of living, then yeah this place is great. But if safety matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
36 upvotes
Paisley Nguyen
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Phoenix about 8 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Diverse dining options
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are growing, gas is challenging.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Feel free to reach out with questions..
35 upvotes
real_isaac91
literally same
27 upvotes
Willow Rogers
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 10 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Sunset side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
24 upvotes
Nicholas T.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (West) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
23 upvotes
Olivia Diaz
spot on
21 upvotes
Alexander Alvarez
thanks for sharing
18 upvotes
Debra W.
Bought a house here in 2021 and I love the pace of life here. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
10 upvotes
Andrea R.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 14 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
9 upvotes
Nora Green
Hot take but the quality of life is solid. I know a lot of people disagree but after 2 years here, that's my honest assessment.
9 upvotes
Aiden Long
I've lived in Lakewood for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Decent public transit for the size
- The safety scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for singles. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
7 upvotes
Dylan Alvarez
I work in education here and I love the pace of life here. The job market for my field is better than expected. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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