Alright, Homes are going for about $70,400 on average. You can expect to pay around $933 for rent here. Median household income is $33,510, which feels on the lower side for the area. Poverty rate is 30.6%, which is higher than I expected. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The city has invested a lot in new development. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
8 upvotes
12 Replies
denverpapa2020
I work in finance here and it exceeded my expectations. The job market for my field is average. No regrets on my end..
37 upvotes
Adrian Hughes
this is the way
37 upvotes
Jack Gray
preach
24 upvotes
phoenix_easton
Public transit is hit or miss here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
22 upvotes
Nova Roberts
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 50, moved here 5 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The community vibe situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for families. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Miami, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $70K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
13 upvotes
Everett Parker
nah I disagree
10 upvotes
bostonnative2020
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Dallas and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Riverside. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
10 upvotes
Emmett C.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Cedar Grove for 9 years. Moved from Phoenix for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth down slightly 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:**
healthcare is strong here. hospitality 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:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is solid - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Cedar Grove schools are solid. 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 a lot of cultural diversity. Dating scene is rough. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
9 upvotes
tulsa_cameron
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it was the best decision I ever made. Feel free to reach out with questions..
8 upvotes
phillyvibes2024
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 30, moved here 15 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in North and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The nightlife situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for retirees. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
3 upvotes
Weston Edwards
I've lived in Lakewood for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Affordable housing options
- The walkability scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for couples. Happy to answer more specific questions..
3 upvotes
Ruby Adams
Moved here from Pittsburgh about 4 years ago. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Still getting used to safety but Happy to answer more specific questions..
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