Longtime lurker here, My partner and I are Median household income is $47,746, which feels on the lower side for the area. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Am I wrong here? Thanks for reading.
11 upvotes
7 Replies
Axel Wilson
following this thread
32 upvotes
Jose Jimenez
yep
30 upvotes
Everett Edwards
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. I have mixed feelings honestly. Worth doing your research before committing.
27 upvotes
Savannah
yeah no that's not right
27 upvotes
adeline_guy
Bought a house here in 2018 and the quality of life is solid. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
7 upvotes
Samuel Cruz
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 14 years. Moved from Chicago for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have state parks 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 average. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Limited shopping options. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
4 upvotes
joseph_life
We moved here with our family and it's been a really good experience overall. Schools in Fairview area are solid. Kids love it here.