First post here. We're a young couple and You can expect to pay around $870 for rent here. Rent is about $870/month for a decent place. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. What do you all think? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The weather takes some getting used to.
14 upvotes
6 Replies
Wesley Alvarez
I'm a project manager and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is excellent and there's always something going on.
30 upvotes
Emmett
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 9 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
30 upvotes
Aurora D.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 40, moved here 11 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in West and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The job market situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for young professionals. tough vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
23 upvotes
jaxlover2025
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Compared to Houston it's challenging.
9 upvotes
Adrian Kim
I've lived in Lakewood for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Tampa, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Four distinct seasons
- The traffic scene is average
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
2 upvotes
Lydia Sanchez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 11 years. Moved from Charlotte for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. finance 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 better than expected - 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 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Limited entertainment options. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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