I'm a college student here and Poverty rate is 12.1%, which is around average. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. TIA! There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The weather takes some getting used to. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
11 upvotes
7 Replies
Everly Gonzalez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 2 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
34 upvotes
Everly Ruiz
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I genuinely enjoy living here. Internet is pretty good in most areas.
33 upvotes
Riley Turner
Totally agree!
27 upvotes
Evan Peterson
preach
13 upvotes
Zoe Martin
as a local I can confirm
13 upvotes
Stella
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 15 years. Moved from Miami for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth about the same 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:**
education is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is decent - we have lakes 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 high-paying job options. Dating scene is rough. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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