Curious what people think. Born and raised here. It's a a small town city with about 5,675 people. You can expect to pay around $1,185 for rent here. Crime rate is something to consider -Fruitridge Pocket sits at 614.8 per 100K. Average temperature is around 63--F, so the weather is moderate. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Any advice would be great. The weather takes some getting used to. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
9 upvotes
3 Replies
Brielle 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 5 years. Moved from New York for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. 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 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. government 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:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have biking 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 decent. 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. Limited public transit options. Not very walkable outside downtown. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
dcgirl2021
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely decent and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
32 upvotes
Austin T.
Used to live on the Riverside side, now on the Lakewood side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
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