Alright, I'm a 48-year-old graphic designer and The unemployment rate is 5.1%, which is about average. Rent is about $1,914/month for a decent place. Homes are going for about $811,000 on average. Average temperature is around 62--F, so the weather is moderate. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The city has invested a lot in new development. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
Pros:
- Great weather
- Friendly people
- Low taxes
- Good airport connections
Cons:
- Traffic can be terrible
- Limited nightlife
- Poor road conditions
- Chain restaurants dominate
It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The suburbs are where most families end up. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The food scene here is surprisingly good. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
5 upvotes
11 Replies
Leo Morris
We moved here with our family and the quality of life is solid. Schools in Downtown area are underrated. Kids love it here.
38 upvotes
Logan Garcia
We moved here with our family and it's not perfect but it works for me. Schools in South area are better than expected. Kids love it here.
34 upvotes
Heather C.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Chicago about 14 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Four distinct seasons
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are pricey, gas is better than expected.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Hope this helps!.
27 upvotes
Michael
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 10 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
25 upvotes
David Green
Moved here last year, no regrets.
22 upvotes
Ariana Peterson
wish I knew this sooner
20 upvotes
Ava Wood
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I genuinely enjoy living here. Internet is improving in most areas.
14 upvotes
Michael R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 10 years. Moved from Portland for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have biking trails 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Bugs and humidity in summer. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
6 upvotes
Ezra Green
I've lived in Sunset for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Four distinct seasons
- The housing market scene is better than expected
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
5 upvotes
Natalie Clark
seconding this
5 upvotes
columbusheart2024
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because it's exactly what I was looking for. The walkability is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
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