Not sure if this has been asked before, but We're a young couple and Homes are going for about $226,300 on average. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Am I wrong here? It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
12 upvotes
8 Replies
Dominic N.
same here
36 upvotes
Ellie H.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Chicago about 12 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are reasonable, gas is decent.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
33 upvotes
Isla Collins
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 5 years. Moved from San Diego for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2017 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. real estate 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:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. 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. 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. Property taxes are high. Far from beaches/mountains. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
14 upvotes
Adeline Cruz
big facts right here
12 upvotes
Miles F.
Bought a house here in 2015 and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
9 upvotes
Zoey Gonzalez
facts
9 upvotes
Lillian S.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from San Francisco and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Sunset. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in real estate. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..