Sign In Register
Nora K. best-worst

Most overrated things about Lawrence

Been meaning to ask this. Been living here since 2006. Poverty rate is 6.1%, which is pretty low. The unemployment rate is 3.6%, which is pretty low. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Property taxes are high but you get good services. What neighborhoods would you suggest? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
13 upvotes

1 Replies

Emmett Watson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Lakewood for 8 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.

**Employment:**
education is strong here. real estate 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:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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 improving. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Can feel isolated. And public transit can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
← Back to Lawrence Community