First post here. Rent is about $2,905/month for a decent place. The median home value here is around $1,289,400, which is pretty steep. Median household income is $176,350, which feels pretty solid for the area. Homes are going for about $1,289,400 on average. The suburbs are where most families end up. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Worth the trade-offs? There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. The weather takes some getting used to. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
33 upvotes
14 Replies
Zoe Lopez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 5 years. Moved from Dallas for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East schools are better than expected. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Property taxes are high. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Stella Jackson
I work in consulting here and it was the best decision I ever made. The job market for my field is better than expected. Happy to answer more specific questions..
39 upvotes
Reagan Morgan
100%
38 upvotes
Brielle Hill
I've lived in Lakewood for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good airport with direct flights
- The outdoor recreation scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Limited shopping options
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. Feel free to reach out with questions..
32 upvotes
Piper C.
literally same
31 upvotes
kcmama2020
Bought a house here in 2020 and I love the pace of life here. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
30 upvotes
Lily J.
I work in real estate here and I genuinely enjoy living here. The job market for my field is average. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
25 upvotes
mountain_sophia28
I've been living here for 5 years and I'd say I have mixed feelings honestly. The job market is excellent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..
24 upvotes
Aurora
underrated comment
24 upvotes
Evan Gonzalez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely underrated and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (The Heights) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Homeless population growing downtown.
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.
19 upvotes
sacramentovibes2022
Moved here from Chicago about 7 years ago. it's not perfect but it works for me. Still getting used to traffic but No regrets on my end..
19 upvotes
Elena Ortiz
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want food scene, then yeah this place is great. But if pet-friendliness matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
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