Been meaning to ask this. Born and raised here. Homes are going for about $635,800 on average. With a population of 40,953, Lynnwood is a smaller city. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Worth the trade-offs? The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The suburbs are where most families end up. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The city has invested a lot in new development. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
19 upvotes
8 Replies
Benjamin Wilson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Portland and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Lakewood. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
34 upvotes
desert_alexa63
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Miami about 14 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good airport with direct flights
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are affordable, gas is average.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
31 upvotes
Leah Martinez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Miami and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in South. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in engineering. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Asian.
Definitely worth checking out..
23 upvotes
Reagan Martinez
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
14 upvotes
Addison Jimenez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 37, moved here 9 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in North and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The healthcare situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for singles. solid vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Baltimore, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $70K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
11 upvotes
mountain_alexander77
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Affordable housing options
- The cost of living scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for young professionals. Good luck with whatever you decide..
7 upvotes
Avery Evans
it depends on the neighborhood
6 upvotes
Alexander Harris
Weather-wise, the summers are average and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
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