I grew up here but left for a while. The unemployment rate is 3.6%, which is pretty low. With a population of 69,884, Lakewood is a smaller city. You can expect to pay around $1,647 for rent here. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The weather takes some getting used to. The city has invested a lot in new development. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The city has invested a lot in new development. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
28 upvotes
11 Replies
Hudson Carter
Public transit is excellent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.
37 upvotes
oaklandfan2025
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cost of living, then yeah this place is great. But if pet-friendliness matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
33 upvotes
local_quinn86
I'm a accountant and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
29 upvotes
Jose J.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely underrated and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Houston, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
26 upvotes
Stephanie M.
following this thread
21 upvotes
Asher Perez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Salt Lake City and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in East. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in construction. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
17 upvotes
Leah Turner
I work in healthcare here and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The job market for my field is better than expected. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
13 upvotes
Emilia Young
literally same
11 upvotes
Jackson Hall
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Internet is decent in most areas.
8 upvotes
Alexander Thomas
Public transit is hit or miss here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
4 upvotes
Carol E.
I'm a data analyst and I've found the quality of life is solid. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
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