Curious what people think. I relocated for work and Homes are going for about $284,600 on average. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Am I overthinking this? Appreciate any input. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
10 upvotes
24 Replies
Elijah Nelson
I've been living here for 15 years and I'd say I'm still on the fence after all this time. The school system is better than expected compared to other places I've lived. Overall Hope this helps!.
37 upvotes
naomi_mama
interesting, hadn't considered that
37 upvotes
Cora S.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is traffic. it's exactly what I was looking for. Worth doing your research before committing.
35 upvotes
Hailey
I've lived in Lakewood for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Decent public transit for the size
- The school system scene is tough
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for couples. Hope this helps!.
35 upvotes
Aaron P.
accurate
32 upvotes
Emma
as a local I can confirm
29 upvotes
Cora Nelson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 10 years. Moved from Tampa for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North schools are hit or miss. 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. Winters are long and cold. Urban sprawl is real. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
29 upvotes
Easton Wilson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Seattle about 13 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Lots of new development happening
- Strong sense of community
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are pricey, gas is solid.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
28 upvotes
Addison
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it's been a really good experience overall. Compared to San Diego it's excellent.
27 upvotes
Cameron Clark
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 6 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
25 upvotes
Jaxon Morgan
preach
23 upvotes
Landon Ortiz
I've lived in Greenfield for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The food scene scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for young professionals. Happy to answer more specific questions..
19 upvotes
native_chloe55
I work in real estate here and it's been a really good experience overall. The job market for my field is average. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
15 upvotes
Grace Cooper
yeah no that's not right
15 upvotes
Christian Kim
nah I disagree
15 upvotes
Jack Wilson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Houston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Sunset. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in tech. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Korean.
No regrets on my end..
13 upvotes
Harper F.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 11 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
13 upvotes
Alexander Phillips
not my experience at all
12 upvotes
Cora R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Boston about 2 years ago. The main reasons were weather and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are competitive, gas is improving.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Hope this helps!.
11 upvotes
Hannah Smith
noted, appreciate it
8 upvotes
Avery Smith
seconding this
7 upvotes
Matthew Robinson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 11 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
3 upvotes
Melanie Mendoza
I work in tech here and the quality of life is solid. The job market for my field is pretty good. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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