Hello, The unemployment rate is 6.2%, which is concerning. Rent is about $1,147/month for a decent place. Average temperature is around 70°F, so it's warm year-round. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The suburbs are where most families end up. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
38 upvotes
9 Replies
Ella Johnson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 11 years. Moved from Seattle for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. consulting 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 was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South 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 shopping options. Limited entertainment options. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
Sarah Turner
This.
35 upvotes
Kinsley Lee
lol so true
35 upvotes
Thomas Ortiz
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it's exactly what I was looking for. Compared to Minneapolis it's improving.
30 upvotes
Elizabeth Hill
Weather-wise, the summers are tough and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
22 upvotes
Natalie G.
preach
11 upvotes
Jace Long
couldn't agree more
10 upvotes
John B.
I've been living here for 9 years and I'd say I'm still on the fence after all this time. The weather is better than expected compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
5 upvotes
Declan
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 10 years. Moved from Charlotte for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2022 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have desert landscapes 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 surprisingly good. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Limited public transit options. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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