Not sure if this has been asked before, but I'm a college student here and Homes are going for about $196,600 on average. The weather takes some getting used to. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Does this match your experience? Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
29 upvotes
14 Replies
indypapa2023
My experience has been mostly positive. it was the best decision I ever made. The only thing I'd watch out for is walkability. Other than that, No regrets on my end..
40 upvotes
Bella Hughes
Public transit is solid here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's not perfect but it works for me.
30 upvotes
Evan Ramos
I've lived in Lakewood for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Active local events and festivals
- Good airport with direct flights
- The food scene scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Urban sprawl is real
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
27 upvotes
Grace Sanchez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 2 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
25 upvotes
Thomas Williams
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely challenging and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Maple Ridge) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
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.
24 upvotes
Timothy C.
I work in engineering here and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The job market for my field is decent. No regrets on my end..
24 upvotes
Leah R.
lol so true
21 upvotes
Olivia R.
as a local I can confirm
20 upvotes
Grayson Rodriguez
Public transit is challenging here. You'll probably need a car for most things. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
16 upvotes
Violet Adams
Weather-wise, the summers are underrated and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
8 upvotes
David P.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 56, moved here 11 years ago from Portland. I've lived in West and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The job market situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for retirees. underrated vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 Portland, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
7 upvotes
Adrian Flores
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 55, moved here 4 years ago from Austin. I've lived in South and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Property taxes are high
3. The job market situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for young professionals. decent vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $90K-$140K 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.
6 upvotes
Brooks Richardson
lol so true
6 upvotes
Denise S.
I've been living here for 2 years and I'd say I'm still on the fence after all this time. The public transit is excellent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..
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