Alright, Born and raised here. With a population of 9,195, Hickam Housing is a small town. Crime rate is something to consider -Hickam Housing sits at 232.1 per 100K. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The city has invested a lot in new development.
4 upvotes
13 Replies
Willie M.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 2 years. Moved from New York for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. 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 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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. Lakewood schools are excellent. 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. Can feel isolated. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Logan C.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I genuinely enjoy living here. Compared to Austin it's challenging.
36 upvotes
Quinn Long
big facts right here
32 upvotes
Katherine Castillo
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Close to major attractions
- The healthcare scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Happy to answer more specific questions..
30 upvotes
Ellie Diaz
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Denver about 15 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Lots of new development happening
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are reasonable, gas is underrated.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Happy to answer more specific questions..
26 upvotes
Leonardo T.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely better than expected and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Springfield) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Houston, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside 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.
25 upvotes
Ariana Morales
Public transit is tough here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
24 upvotes
Pamela L.
exactly what I was thinking
20 upvotes
Isabelle Baker
lol so true
18 upvotes
Dylan C.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
12 upvotes
Ariana
same here
5 upvotes
real_bella44
I've lived in Riverside for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Strong job market in several industries
- The cultural scene scene is decent
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Summers can be brutally hot
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. Happy to answer more specific questions..
All Countries
