Not sure if this has been asked before, but Average temperature is around 56--F, so the weather is moderate. Homes are going for about $99,800 on average. Median household income is $60,490, which feels about average for the area. Rent is about $761/month for a decent place. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. What do you all think? Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The weather takes some getting used to. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The city has invested a lot in new development.
28 upvotes
22 Replies
Lydia Perez
hard disagree but ok
37 upvotes
Dominic Richardson
As someone who grew up here, I'm still on the fence after all this time. A lot has changed in the past few years though. safety used to be much established but now it's challenging.
34 upvotes
Sebastian Kelly
I've been living here for 10 years and I'd say I genuinely enjoy living here. The housing market is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
28 upvotes
Julian R.
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. the quality of life is solid.
24 upvotes
Logan
noted, appreciate it
23 upvotes
Declan Watson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 38, moved here 15 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in West and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The outdoor recreation situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for couples. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Baltimore, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $80K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
21 upvotes
Andrew Brown
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 1 years. Moved from Portland for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth down slightly 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. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have ski resorts 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 improving. 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. Can feel isolated. Dating scene is rough. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
Lillian Thomas
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is pet-friendliness. it was the best decision I ever made. Worth doing your research before committing.
20 upvotes
Jordan Nguyen
Public transit is solid here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's not perfect but it works for me.
17 upvotes
Cameron Baker
Public transit is improving here. You'll probably need a car for most things. the quality of life is solid.
17 upvotes
Parker C.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is traffic. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Worth doing your research before committing.
15 upvotes
Julia B.
facts
15 upvotes
Wesley Gomez
hard disagree but ok
14 upvotes
Zoey Parker
Came here for work and stayed because it's exactly what I was looking for. The traffic is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
13 upvotes
Caroline Gonzalez
Moved here from Denver about 3 years ago. the quality of life is solid. Still getting used to dating scene but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
12 upvotes
Skylar Flores
This.
6 upvotes
aubrey_mind
I work in retail here and it's not perfect but it works for me. The job market for my field is improving. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
4 upvotes
Elizabeth G.
Bought a house here in 2023 and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
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