Been meaning to ask this. Average temperature is around 52--F, so expect cold winters. With a population of 50,229, Lakewood is a smaller city. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Worth the trade-offs? Thanks for reading. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
3 upvotes
28 Replies
Eva J.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely underrated and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene 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.
39 upvotes
Arianna M.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Internet is better than expected in most areas.
38 upvotes
Austin Jones
I've lived in Midtown for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Active local events and festivals
- The community vibe scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
37 upvotes
loving_joseph90
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Cedar Grove for 12 years. Moved from Denver for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - 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. Cedar Grove schools are better than expected. 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. Property taxes are high. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
Gabriel Wright
Used to live on the Highland side, now on the West side. Completely different vibe. it's exactly what I was looking for.
36 upvotes
Austin Peterson
Weather-wise, the summers are excellent and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.
34 upvotes
Jose Kelly
I'm a chef and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is solid and there's always something going on.
33 upvotes
Adam Nelson
I've been living here for 1 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The pet-friendliness is better than expected compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
32 upvotes
Zoe M.
great question, following
30 upvotes
Luna C.
Bought a house here in 2022 and I have mixed feelings honestly. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
29 upvotes
William Patel
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Cedar Grove for 9 years. Moved from New York for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is average - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Cedar Grove schools are solid. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Property taxes are high. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
28 upvotes
Ellie Martinez
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want pet-friendliness, then yeah this place is great. But if job market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
28 upvotes
Stella D.
wish I knew this sooner
27 upvotes
Madelyn Miller
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in Downtown area are decent. Kids love it here.
25 upvotes
Quinn P.
glad someone said it
24 upvotes
Autumn Howard
been saying this for years
24 upvotes
Luke Jackson
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want dating scene, then yeah this place is great. But if cultural scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
23 upvotes
Audrey Brooks
As someone who grew up here, I genuinely enjoy living here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. public transit used to be much pricey but now it's underrated.
23 upvotes
Hudson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 11 years. Moved from Charlotte for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is solid - we have mountains 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 hit or miss. 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. Limited shopping options. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
Mateo
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 13 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
17 upvotes
David R.
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because it's not perfect but it works for me. The safety is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
15 upvotes
Julie K.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 2 years. Moved from Chicago for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2024 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town 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. Property taxes are high. Far from beaches/mountains. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
14 upvotes
Dylan Collins
Came here for quality of life and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The housing market is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
6 upvotes
Jaxon L.
Public transit is excellent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
4 upvotes
Gianna
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want outdoor recreation, then yeah this place is great. But if public transit matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
3 upvotes
raleighheart2026
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it was the best decision I ever made. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.
2 upvotes
Natalie P.
As someone who grew up here, it was the best decision I ever made. A lot has changed in the past few years though. traffic used to be much developing but now it's excellent.
0 upvotes
Violet Myers
My experience has been mostly positive. it's not perfect but it works for me. The only thing I'd watch out for is job market. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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