Hi all, I'm single, late 30s, and It's a a small town city with about 11,738 people. Household incomes average around $100,176 in James Island. The median home value here is around $454,200, which is pretty steep. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Let me know your thoughts. The weather takes some getting used to. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
7 upvotes
2 Replies
Adeline Thomas
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 Chicago for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2020 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. legal 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's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is solid - we have lakes 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 decent. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Limited shopping options. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, 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.
33 upvotes
Bennett N.
Public transit is pretty good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.