OK so It's a a small town city with about 17,877 people. Rent is about $1,712/month for a decent place. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Would love some local perspective. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
6 upvotes
6 Replies
Jacob Ramos
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely pretty good and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Springfield) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
38 upvotes
Leo W.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Atlanta about 12 years ago. The main reasons were family and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good internet infrastructure
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are affordable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
27 upvotes
Luna
I've lived in Lakewood for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Strong job market in several industries
- The housing market scene is solid
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
18 upvotes
Weston Castillo
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in Westside area are decent. Kids love it here.
18 upvotes
Everly
glad someone said it
9 upvotes
Arianna Mitchell
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.
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