I'm a college student here and Homes are going for about $607,500 on average. It's a a smaller city city with about 65,509 people. The unemployment rate is 4.0%, which is pretty low. 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. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The city has invested a lot in new development. The weather takes some getting used to. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The weather takes some getting used to. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
20 upvotes
5 Replies
Ariana Scott
Used to live on the Highland side, now on the The Heights side. Completely different vibe. it was the best decision I ever made.
34 upvotes
Brielle Jimenez
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, the quality of life is solid. Feel free to reach out with questions..
32 upvotes
Joseph P.
My experience has been mostly positive. it exceeded my expectations. The only thing I'd watch out for is school system. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
16 upvotes
Isla Ruiz
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 11 years. Moved from Seattle for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2017 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have ski resorts 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 hit or miss. 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. Limited public transit options. Limited shopping options. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
15 upvotes
Mia M.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 14 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the Greenfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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