Hello, Just moved here 13 months ago and Poverty rate is 8.9%, which is pretty low. The median home value here is around $357,800, which seems about average. The unemployment rate is 5.0%, which is about average. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Am I wrong here? The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
8 upvotes
13 Replies
Stephen C.
Bought a house here in 2023 and it exceeded my expectations. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
38 upvotes
Scarlett
noted, appreciate it
38 upvotes
mountain_hunter14
Moved here last year, no regrets.
27 upvotes
Leah G.
it depends on the neighborhood
19 upvotes
Ezra A.
I'm a contractor and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is excellent and there's always something going on.
19 upvotes
Brooklyn Ruiz
Can confirm, been here 13 years.
14 upvotes
Serenity Campbell
I'm a contractor and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community is solid and there's always something going on.
13 upvotes
river_sarah72
Used to live on the Sunset side, now on the Eastside side. Completely different vibe. I genuinely enjoy living here.
11 upvotes
Nora Rogers
facts
10 upvotes
Ian S.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I have mixed feelings honestly. Internet is challenging in most areas.
8 upvotes
Valentina Morales
Bought a house here in 2022 and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
2 upvotes
raleighnative2024
I've lived in Lakewood for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Decent public transit for the size
- The job market scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Urban sprawl is real
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. Hope this helps!.
2 upvotes
Grace C.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 12 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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