Hello, Been living here since 2020. Crime rate is something to consider -Lake Junaluska sits at 298.6 per 100K. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The suburbs are where most families end up. Let me know your thoughts. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
3 upvotes
14 Replies
Joseph G.
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
34 upvotes
Lydia G.
I've lived in Lakewood for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Portland, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Lots of new development happening
- Good internet infrastructure
- The food scene scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
29 upvotes
Charles C.
My experience has been mostly positive. it's not perfect but it works for me. The only thing I'd watch out for is safety. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
28 upvotes
Claire H.
yeah no that's not right
27 upvotes
Weston Anderson
Saving this thread
22 upvotes
Avery Garcia
I've been living here for 6 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor recreation is decent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
19 upvotes
Nora Castillo
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.
16 upvotes
Evan Allen
We moved here with our family and it's exactly what I was looking for. Schools in The Heights area are average. Kids love it here.
9 upvotes
Henry Scott
haha yep pretty much
8 upvotes
Aaron Smith
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely improving and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Eastside) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
8 upvotes
Wyatt Rogers
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 34, moved here 14 years ago from LA. I've lived in Riverside and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Nice parks and green spaces
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Can feel isolated
3. The public transit situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for retirees. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 LA, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$80K 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.
7 upvotes
Jordan A.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 46, moved here 4 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Oak Park and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The cost of living situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for retirees. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Tampa, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$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.
6 upvotes
Nevaeh H.
great question, following
4 upvotes
Jacob R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 43, moved here 3 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Lakewood and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Strong sense of community
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The pet-friendliness situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for retirees. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Charlotte, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $100K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
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