Hey, I'm originally from Minneapolis and Average temperature is around 55--F, so the weather is moderate. You can expect to pay around $1,753 for rent here. Crime rate is something to consider -Leawood sits at 54.2 per 100K. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The suburbs are where most families end up. The city has invested a lot in new development. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The weather takes some getting used to. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
8 upvotes
15 Replies
Nicholas Edwards
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 49, moved here 2 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Springfield and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Affordable housing options
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The walkability situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for young professionals. average vibes, walkable.
- Westside: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Phoenix, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $60K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
40 upvotes
Eliana Carter
couldn't agree more
39 upvotes
Madeline
nah I disagree
36 upvotes
Ezekiel Peterson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Pine Hills. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in retail. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
31 upvotes
Josiah Walker
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely underrated and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Riverside) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. school system 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.
29 upvotes
Leo Adams
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
26 upvotes
Ian Lopez
My experience has been mostly positive. it was the best decision I ever made. The only thing I'd watch out for is healthcare. Other than that, Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
26 upvotes
Cora White
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Old Town) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Road conditions need improvement.
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.
25 upvotes
Oliver P.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is housing market. the quality of life is solid. Worth doing your research before committing.
18 upvotes
Addison B.
The food scene here is challenging. Tons of great sushi places. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
17 upvotes
Julian Young
as a local I can confirm
16 upvotes
Randy H.
nah I disagree
15 upvotes
Emily
We moved here with our family and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Schools in Maple Ridge area are improving. Kids love it here.
8 upvotes
Andrew Cooper
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I genuinely enjoy living here. Definitely worth checking out..
7 upvotes
Noah Parker
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 14 years. Moved from Nashville for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have hiking 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 tough. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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