So, My partner and I are It's a a smaller city city with about 85,575 people. Homes are going for about $646,300 on average. The median home value here is around $646,300, which is pretty steep. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The weather takes some getting used to. What neighborhoods would you suggest? Looking forward to hearing from you all. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The city has invested a lot in new development. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
5 upvotes
9 Replies
Easton A.
interesting, hadn't considered that
39 upvotes
Nova Phillips
I'm a accountant and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. The community is solid and there's always something going on.
37 upvotes
Genesis
This.
28 upvotes
Kayden Diaz
Hot take but it's exactly what I was looking for. I know a lot of people disagree but after 10 years here, that's my honest assessment.
24 upvotes
Grace D.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 7 years. Moved from LA for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2019 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:**
finance is strong here. real estate 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:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is decent - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are underrated. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Limited shopping options. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
Hazel Ross
as a local I can confirm
18 upvotes
Leo Turner
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 12 years. Moved from Dallas for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2023 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:**
manufacturing is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is decent - we have rivers 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. Property taxes are high. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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