Not sure if this has been asked before, but Poverty rate is 6.2%, which is pretty low. Homes are going for about $219,300 on average. Crime rate is something to consider -Fox Lake sits at 191.3 per 100K. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The suburbs are where most families end up. What would you do? Appreciate any input. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
6 upvotes
9 Replies
Evan Bennett
Bought a house here in 2024 and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
38 upvotes
Ezra Cruz
Moved here from Boston about 5 years ago. it exceeded my expectations. Still getting used to traffic but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
36 upvotes
Eva W.
not my experience at all
27 upvotes
Skylar Torres
Moved here from San Francisco about 13 years ago. it exceeded my expectations. Still getting used to walkability but Happy to answer more specific questions..
24 upvotes
Natalie Brown
as a local I can confirm
12 upvotes
James Ortiz
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
10 upvotes
David M.
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The dating scene is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
9 upvotes
Owen Taylor
I've lived in Lakewood for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Nashville, 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
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The food scene scene is tough
The downsides:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for singles. Feel free to reach out with questions..
8 upvotes
Samuel Garcia
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely tough and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Uptown) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.