Hey folks, I'm retired and The median home value here is around $143,900, which is actually reasonable. The unemployment rate is 1.6%, which is pretty low. Homes are going for about $143,900 on average. Household incomes average around $62,133 in Manitowoc. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. What are your go-to spots? There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The city has invested a lot in new development.
16 upvotes
6 Replies
Eleanor Hall
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 10 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
39 upvotes
Ethan P.
The food scene here is pretty good. Tons of great Southern places. I have mixed feelings honestly.
39 upvotes
Mia Taylor
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 15 years. Moved from Tampa for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Road conditions need improvement. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, 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.
34 upvotes
Jace A.
Public transit is tough here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
15 upvotes
Nicholas
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely excellent and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Riverside) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
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.
13 upvotes
Charlotte Chavez
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because I love the pace of life here. The weather is honestly tough and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
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