Not sure if this has been asked before, but Been living here since 2023. You can expect to pay around $1,647 for rent here. Homes are going for about $618,400 on average. Average temperature is around 54--F, so expect cold winters. Crime rate is something to consider -Lakewood sits at 36.9 per 100K. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The city has invested a lot in new development. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
4 upvotes
13 Replies
Henry
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. Feel free to reach out with questions..
38 upvotes
Ezra Green
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
37 upvotes
Cora C.
Came here for quality of life and stayed because I love the pace of life here. The school system is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
36 upvotes
Gabriel
The food scene here is challenging. Tons of great Mexican places. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
31 upvotes
Eva Sanchez
not my experience at all
30 upvotes
Ruby Campbell
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Denver about 9 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good airport with direct flights
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are pricey, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Happy to answer more specific questions..
18 upvotes
Riley
Hot take but it's exactly what I was looking for. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
18 upvotes
Robert C.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Compared to Portland it's solid.
15 upvotes
Robert Phillips
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I have mixed feelings honestly. Definitely worth checking out..
15 upvotes
sunny_everly88
My experience has been mostly positive. I have mixed feelings honestly. The only thing I'd watch out for is cultural scene. Other than that, Would recommend to anyone considering it..
13 upvotes
Emma T.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 15 years. Moved from Portland for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
finance 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:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is improving - 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. Uptown schools are excellent. 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. Winters are long and cold. Limited shopping options. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
5 upvotes
Matthew J.
great question, following
3 upvotes
samuel_living
My experience has been mostly positive. it's been a really good experience overall. The only thing I'd watch out for is pet-friendliness. Other than that, Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
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