Hi all, Average temperature is around 37--F, so bundle up in winter. You can expect to pay around $967 for rent here. It's a a small town city with about 1,472 people. Rent is about $967/month for a decent place. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The food scene here is surprisingly good. What do you all think? Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The weather takes some getting used to. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The suburbs are where most families end up. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
0 upvotes
12 Replies
Elijah M.
honestly same experience here
39 upvotes
Carson Walker
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely better than expected and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Riverside) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Miami, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
34 upvotes
Katherine Collins
lol so true
32 upvotes
Nancy C.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Dallas and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Riverside. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
28 upvotes
Luna Hill
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 12 years. Moved from Boston for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have biking trails 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Urban sprawl is real. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
Lisa W.
My experience has been mostly positive. it was the best decision I ever made. The only thing I'd watch out for is public transit. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
18 upvotes
Jordan D.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely average and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Fairview) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Pittsburgh, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
16 upvotes
Nolan Murphy
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Highland) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Dating scene is rough.
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.
15 upvotes
Aaron M.
wish I knew this sooner
13 upvotes
Ruby J.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 1 years. Moved from Portland for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
finance 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 improving - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North schools are decent. 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. Urban sprawl is real. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
5 upvotes
William Chavez
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I have mixed feelings honestly. Feel free to reach out with questions..
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