Hi all, Poverty rate is 25.3%, which is higher than I expected. Rent is about $1,647/month for a decent place. The unemployment rate is 3.6%, which is pretty low. Household incomes average around $57,576 in Lakewood. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Cheers. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
16 upvotes
9 Replies
Ethan Smith
seconding this
38 upvotes
Lily R.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
30 upvotes
wild_hunter75
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in Midtown area are decent. Kids love it here.
30 upvotes
Everett Sanders
been saying this for years
26 upvotes
Victoria Ramos
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 46, moved here 1 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Lakewood and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Affordable housing options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Limited shopping options
3. The housing market situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for retirees. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K 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.
15 upvotes
columbusliving2024
Bought a house here in 2016 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
11 upvotes
Nathan Williams
I work in hospitality here and it was the best decision I ever made. The job market for my field is pretty good. Hope this helps!.
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