Alright, I'm originally from Atlanta and It's a a small town city with about 7,689 people. Poverty rate is 7.7%, which is pretty low. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
0 upvotes
12 Replies
Genesis M.
wish I knew this sooner
35 upvotes
Jackson Jones
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Atlanta about 10 years ago. The main reasons were work and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Close to major attractions
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are manageable, gas is excellent.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Hope this helps!.
33 upvotes
Carter
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 6 years. Moved from Raleigh for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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 solid. 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. Property taxes are high. Limited entertainment options. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
Roman Y.
been saying this for years
32 upvotes
Elizabeth Nelson
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. the quality of life is solid. Compared to Portland it's better than expected.
28 upvotes
Aiden Myers
I work in manufacturing here and I genuinely enjoy living here. The job market for my field is underrated. Hope this helps!.
26 upvotes
Reagan Moore
wish I knew this sooner
25 upvotes
Evelyn
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 39, moved here 5 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Eastside and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Can feel isolated
3. The traffic situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for couples. tough vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Austin, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
12 upvotes
Natalie H.
Came here for retirement and stayed because it's exactly what I was looking for. The walkability is honestly better than expected and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
9 upvotes
Clara Hall
following this thread
9 upvotes
Isabelle Baker
We moved here with our family and the quality of life is solid. Schools in East area are challenging. Kids love it here.
1 upvotes
Carson Hughes
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's not perfect but it works for me. Hope this helps!.
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