Curious what people think. I'm retired and Median household income is $202,359, which feels pretty solid for the area. Homes are going for about $1,884,200 on average. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The suburbs are where most families end up. The suburbs are where most families end up. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The suburbs are where most families end up. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
25 upvotes
4 Replies
Kinsley
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Raleigh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Springfield. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in engineering. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
37 upvotes
Christine L.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely improving and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Old Town) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
31 upvotes
Gabriel Sanders
I've lived in Lakewood for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The walkability scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for couples. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..