Hey everyone, Military spouse here. It's a a mid-size city city with about 125K people. Crime rate is something to consider — Meridian sits at 159.2 per 100K. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Worth the trade-offs? Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
51 upvotes
2 Replies
Ariana Adams
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 14 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
14 upvotes
Ariana A.
I've lived in Lakewood for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from New York, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good internet infrastructure
- The community vibe scene is solid
The downsides:
- Limited entertainment options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. Happy to answer more specific questions..