Hey folks, I work in automotive and You can expect to pay around $1,003 for rent here. It's a a smaller city city with about 97,227 people. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Any advice would be great. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The city has invested a lot in new development. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
23 upvotes
7 Replies
Isabelle G.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 10 years. Moved from San Francisco for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2015 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is decent - we have lakes 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 challenging. 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. Limited high-paying job options. Property taxes are high. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
Miles Lee
preach
33 upvotes
Nevaeh Hall
Weather-wise, the summers are better than expected and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
29 upvotes
Levi Foster
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
18 upvotes
Joseph Baker
Moved here from Austin about 13 years ago. it's not perfect but it works for me. Still getting used to cost of living but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
13 upvotes
John Peterson
Hot take but it was the best decision I ever made. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
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