Homes are going for about $211,800 on average. You can expect to pay around $1,043 for rent here. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Let me know your thoughts. Thanks for reading. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
30 upvotes
14 Replies
Zoe Rivera
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from San Diego and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Maple Ridge. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in construction. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
40 upvotes
Lucy Bailey
as a local I can confirm
38 upvotes
Quinn
Moved here from New York about 13 years ago. I genuinely enjoy living here. Still getting used to job market but Definitely worth checking out..
36 upvotes
Evan
haha yep pretty much
25 upvotes
Willow Reed
Used to live on the Maple Ridge side, now on the South side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.
24 upvotes
Sarah Morris
I've lived in Lakewood for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good healthcare facilities
- The school system scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for remote workers. No regrets on my end..
23 upvotes
Luca H.
lol so true
22 upvotes
Victoria M.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's not perfect but it works for me. Internet is better than expected in most areas.
20 upvotes
Hudson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 45, moved here 6 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in North and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Winters are long and cold
3. The cultural scene situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for couples. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Dallas, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
10 upvotes
Austin Foster
same here
9 upvotes
oaklandmind2021
thanks for sharing
6 upvotes
Abigail Williams
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. Definitely worth checking out..
5 upvotes
Axel Gomez
big facts right here
5 upvotes
Wyatt C.
Moved here from Seattle about 11 years ago. it's been a really good experience overall. Still getting used to dating scene but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
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