Hey everyone, Military spouse here. It's a a smaller city city with about 53,951 people. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The suburbs are where most families end up. Is this normal for Manhattan? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
17 upvotes
5 Replies
atlguy2023
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 9 years. Moved from Raleigh for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. manufacturing 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:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have national forests 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 underrated. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Property taxes are high. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
Gabriella
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 4 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
32 upvotes
Ava Cook
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are improving, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
30 upvotes
Anna Perez
Used to live on the Midtown side, now on the Pine Hills side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
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