Curious what people think. Been living here since 2012. Poverty rate is 6.2%, which is pretty low. It's a a smaller city city with about 54,114 people. The unemployment rate is 3.4%, which is pretty low. Average temperature is around 48--F, so expect cold winters. The weather takes some getting used to. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Am I wrong here? There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
10 upvotes
6 Replies
Emma Howard
noted, appreciate it
37 upvotes
Maya P.
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 Chicago for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
manufacturing 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 not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have ski resorts 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 tough. 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. Road conditions need improvement. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
Charlotte Kelly
glad someone said it
22 upvotes
Madelyn Ramos
My experience has been mostly positive. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The only thing I'd watch out for is cultural scene. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
12 upvotes
columbuswalker2023
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Denver about 1 years ago. The main reasons were family and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are affordable, gas is underrated.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. No regrets on my end..
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