I'm a 43-year-old marketing manager and Homes are going for about $463,600 on average. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
8 upvotes
6 Replies
Luna Bennett
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 48, moved here 5 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Lakewood and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The pet-friendliness situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for remote workers. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Dallas, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $90K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
36 upvotes
Maya Watson
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 Austin for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have rivers 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Limited shopping options. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
Grayson White
interesting, hadn't considered that
23 upvotes
cool_cora80
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Boston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in East. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
22 upvotes
bella_runner
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it was the best decision I ever made. Compared to Portland it's surprisingly good.
17 upvotes
Ann M.
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- The safety scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Nightlife is limited
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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