So, We have two kids and Average temperature is around 54--F, so expect cold winters. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Let me know your thoughts. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
11 upvotes
15 Replies
Arianna Patel
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I have mixed feelings honestly. No regrets on my end..
39 upvotes
aaron_native
Bought a house here in 2020 and I love the pace of life here. Property values have gone about the same since then.
27 upvotes
Nova Hughes
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from San Francisco and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Greenfield. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in tech. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
25 upvotes
Eleanor Ortiz
I work in consulting here and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The job market for my field is improving. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
24 upvotes
Santiago Campbell
We moved here with our family and I genuinely enjoy living here. Schools in Springfield area are improving. Kids love it here.
20 upvotes
Stella Turner
following this thread
18 upvotes
Hailey Gutierrez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 13 years. Moved from Miami for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. healthcare 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's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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 underrated. 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. Bugs and humidity in summer. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
Ryan C.
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
10 upvotes
mountain_hunter14
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Denver and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Greenfield. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in government. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
10 upvotes
houstonheart2025
yeah no that's not right
7 upvotes
Ariana Robinson
Moved here from Charlotte about 1 years ago. I have mixed feelings honestly. Still getting used to cost of living but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
6 upvotes
Julia
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is walkability. it's exactly what I was looking for. Worth doing your research before committing.
3 upvotes
dcvibes2020
great question, following
2 upvotes
Nora C.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 3 years. Moved from Denver for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. consulting 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 been a really good experience overall. 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. Uptown schools are pretty 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. Urban sprawl is real. Homeless population growing downtown. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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