Hello, You can expect to pay around $2,001 for rent here. The city has invested a lot in new development. Anyone in a similar situation? It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The suburbs are where most families end up.
6 upvotes
14 Replies
Charlotte Phillips
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Dallas about 14 years ago. The main reasons were weather and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are competitive, gas is excellent.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Hope this helps!.
39 upvotes
Isabella Hernandez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Boston about 12 years ago. The main reasons were weather and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Close to major attractions
- Affordable housing options
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are developing, gas is excellent.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Hope this helps!.
38 upvotes
Madelyn Lewis
accurate
33 upvotes
Brooklyn H.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 3 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
28 upvotes
Henry
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 15 years. Moved from Charlotte for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. legal 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:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is decent - we have rivers 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 tough. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Dating scene is rough. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
Lisa B.
+1
21 upvotes
Ellie Morales
seconding this
21 upvotes
Jaxon Hill
big facts right here
20 upvotes
Hudson B.
noted, appreciate it
17 upvotes
Serenity Bailey
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Atlanta and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Downtown. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in finance. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Southern.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
11 upvotes
Addison Parker
The food scene here is better than expected. Tons of great sushi places. it's exactly what I was looking for.
8 upvotes
William Roberts
seconding this
3 upvotes
Ariana Patel
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it exceeded my expectations. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
2 upvotes
Daniel M.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 10 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
All Countries
