We have two kids and The unemployment rate is 1.3%, which is pretty low. You can expect to pay around $3,399 for rent here. Poverty rate is 6.7%, which is pretty low. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The suburbs are where most families end up. The weather takes some getting used to. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The weather takes some getting used to. The city has invested a lot in new development. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The city has invested a lot in new development. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The city has invested a lot in new development.
11 upvotes
9 Replies
Cora Perez
Totally agree!
39 upvotes
Isabelle Scott
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 9 years. Moved from Raleigh for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2017 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:**
finance is strong here. construction 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:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is improving - we have mountains 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 excellent. 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. Limited public transit options. Limited shopping options. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
37 upvotes
Ruby
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it's not perfect but it works for me. Compared to Baltimore it's challenging.
25 upvotes
Elizabeth Williams
I work in manufacturing here and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market for my field is better than expected. Definitely worth checking out..
24 upvotes
Bryan C.
I've been living here for 5 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The cost of living is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall Happy to answer more specific questions..
19 upvotes
Adrian J.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
18 upvotes
Alexa Martin
nah I disagree
17 upvotes
Jeremiah Carter
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Dallas about 3 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good healthcare facilities
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are stable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Feel free to reach out with questions..
8 upvotes
Lucas Bailey
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want walkability, then yeah this place is great. But if safety matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
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