Hi all, Rent is about $1,612/month for a decent place. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Does this match your experience? The weather takes some getting used to. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
25 upvotes
11 Replies
Aiden Mendoza
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Houston about 13 years ago. The main reasons were work and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong job market in several industries
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are competitive, gas is underrated.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
40 upvotes
Evan Turner
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Portland and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in West. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Italian.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
38 upvotes
Donna M.
Used to live on the Meadowbrook side, now on the Maple Ridge side. Completely different vibe. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
38 upvotes
Aria Williams
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 Pittsburgh for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is solid - we have lakes 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 better than expected. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Limited entertainment options. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
37 upvotes
Elijah Martinez
The food scene here is excellent. Tons of great craft beer places. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
32 upvotes
Alexa Baker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 46, moved here 4 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Sunset and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Property taxes are high
3. The weather situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for families. challenging 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 Nashville, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
28 upvotes
Dylan R.
this is the way
27 upvotes
Addison Brooks
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 32, moved here 1 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Sunset and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The traffic situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for young professionals. average vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $90K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
23 upvotes
Reagan R.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
14 upvotes
sacramento_levi
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
4 upvotes
Bella Clark
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
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