Been meaning to ask this. I grew up here but left for a while. Median household income is $70,085, which feels about average for the area. The unemployment rate is 3.7%, which is pretty low. Household incomes average around $70,085 in Festus. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Property taxes are high but you get good services. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The food scene here is surprisingly good. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
9 upvotes
11 Replies
atl_grace
I've lived in Lakewood for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Affordable housing options
- The cost of living scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Can feel isolated
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for retirees. Definitely worth checking out..
23 upvotes
Asher Perez
great question, following
21 upvotes
Adrian J.
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 Dallas for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. healthcare 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 genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is average - we have hiking trails 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 shopping options. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
Kayden J.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it's not perfect but it works for me. Compared to LA it's surprisingly good.
20 upvotes
Melanie Ward
I've lived in Highland for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good schools in most areas
- The cultural scene scene is improving
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. No regrets on my end..
15 upvotes
denver_rylee
facts
14 upvotes
Valentina C.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Houston about 9 years ago. The main reasons were work and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Four distinct seasons
- Affordable housing options
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are developing, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
13 upvotes
Zoey
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are improving, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
9 upvotes
isabelle_dude
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Salt Lake City and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Oak Park. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in real estate. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
3 upvotes
Elijah
yeah no that's not right
2 upvotes
Dylan Rivera
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is housing market. it's been a really good experience overall. Worth doing your research before committing.
All Countries
