Been meaning to ask this. We have two kids and You can expect to pay around $861 for rent here. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Thanks in advance!
2 upvotes
8 Replies
Austin K.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely decent and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Denver, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
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.
39 upvotes
Adeline Hernandez
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
33 upvotes
Delilah Walker
accurate
27 upvotes
Joseph
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 36, moved here 8 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Maple Ridge and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The food scene situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for families. solid vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Austin, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $60K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
19 upvotes
Daniel
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I genuinely enjoy living here.
14 upvotes
Adam
The food scene here is tough. Tons of great Vietnamese places. it was the best decision I ever made.
11 upvotes
Matthew Anderson
I've lived in Lakewood for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The weather scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Limited shopping options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. Definitely worth checking out..
11 upvotes
Paul C.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Compared to Baltimore it's improving.
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