Alright, We're a young couple and Household incomes average around $85,789 in Lakewood. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The weather takes some getting used to. Thanks for reading. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
53 upvotes
7 Replies
Abigail J.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely average and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Old Town) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Limited public transit 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.
40 upvotes
Aiden Chavez
spot on
33 upvotes
Jaxon Davis
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 2 years. Moved from San Francisco for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up a bit 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:**
marketing is strong here. tech 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 exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have lakes 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 challenging. 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. Nightlife is limited. Chain restaurants dominate. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
portland_nolan
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want outdoor recreation, then yeah this place is great. But if outdoor recreation matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
19 upvotes
Connor Phillips
Totally agree!
13 upvotes
Hailey Campbell
same here
8 upvotes
Hudson James
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Compared to Tampa it's excellent.