Hey, I'm originally from Minneapolis and Homes are going for about $249,000 on average. With a population of 54,114, Kentwood is a smaller city. The suburbs are where most families end up. Let me know your thoughts. Cheers. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
26 upvotes
7 Replies
Eliana Lopez
underrated comment
36 upvotes
Cora R.
Bought a house here in 2023 and I love the pace of life here. Property values have gone about the same since then.
33 upvotes
Daniel P.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Boston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Midtown. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
16 upvotes
Theodore Jones
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are hit or miss, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
15 upvotes
Angel Reyes
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 4 years. Moved from Chicago for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have state parks 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 improving. 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. Nightlife is limited. Property taxes are high. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
4 upvotes
Stella Ross
same here
3 upvotes
Addison Y.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely average and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (North) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Dallas, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
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