Crime rate is something to consider -Hobbs sits at 673.1 per 100K. It's a a smaller city city with about 39,887 people. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. What are your go-to spots? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
25 upvotes
29 Replies
jeremiah_mama
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's not perfect but it works for me. Definitely worth checking out..
39 upvotes
Peyton T.
I work in education here and I have mixed feelings honestly. The job market for my field is surprisingly good. Hope this helps!.
38 upvotes
Christian Martinez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 15 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
37 upvotes
Evan Peterson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 3 years. Moved from Nashville for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2023 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:**
retail 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 improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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 better than expected. 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 entertainment options. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
Isabelle C.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely pretty good and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Old Town) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
33 upvotes
William C.
honestly same experience here
32 upvotes
tampa_ian
Used to live on the Meadowbrook side, now on the Westside side. Completely different vibe. I have mixed feelings honestly.
31 upvotes
Nolan Campbell
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's exactly what I was looking for. Internet is surprisingly good in most areas.
31 upvotes
Jeremiah O.
exactly what I was thinking
30 upvotes
urban_hudson57
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely better than expected and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Old Town) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
30 upvotes
nola_abigail
Can confirm, been here 8 years.
29 upvotes
oakland_sadie
not my experience at all
29 upvotes
Hailey
hard disagree but ok
28 upvotes
Elizabeth T.
good to know, thanks
27 upvotes
Santiago Cruz
preach
25 upvotes
Audrey Ross
underrated comment
24 upvotes
Paisley R.
hard disagree but ok
23 upvotes
Ezra H.
I've lived in Riverside for about 10 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 LA, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Affordable housing options
- The pet-friendliness scene is improving
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for young professionals. No regrets on my end..
23 upvotes
Aubrey Hernandez
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 11 years here, that's my honest assessment.
16 upvotes
Nova P.
accurate
16 upvotes
Lydia Smith
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 37, moved here 12 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Oak Park and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Can feel isolated
3. The outdoor recreation situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for remote workers. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Houston, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
15 upvotes
Kennedy
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
14 upvotes
sadie_heart
thanks for sharing
11 upvotes
Natalie N.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want job market, then yeah this place is great. But if dating scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
9 upvotes
Benjamin
Moved here last year, no regrets.
9 upvotes
Eliana Hall
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is community vibe. it exceeded my expectations. Worth doing your research before committing.
7 upvotes
Chloe R.
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in Old Town area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
4 upvotes
Luna Foster
noted, appreciate it
4 upvotes
Kinsley James
The food scene here is excellent. Tons of great Mexican places. I love the pace of life here.
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