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mesa_willow
living
Is Madison a good place to live?
Hey everyone, The unemployment rate is 1.9%, which is pretty low. What would you do?
36 upvotes
2 Replies
Gabriel Wilson
I've lived in Uptown for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The community vibe scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. Good luck with whatever you decide..
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The community vibe scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. Good luck with whatever you decide..
33 upvotes
Harold H.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 4 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. 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 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have desert landscapes 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 surprisingly good. 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. Winters are long and cold. Not very walkable outside downtown. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Lakewood for 4 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. 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 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have desert landscapes 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 surprisingly good. 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. Winters are long and cold. Not very walkable outside downtown. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
8 upvotes