Longtime lurker here, It's a a smaller city city with about 36,343 people. Crime rate is something to consider -Merrillville sits at 144.0 per 100K. Poverty rate is 11.5%, which is around average. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Has anyone dealt with this? Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
11 upvotes
6 Replies
Luke Flores
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 48, moved here 12 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The safety situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for couples. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 Denver, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $60K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
38 upvotes
Ezra Jimenez
Bought a house here in 2017 and I have mixed feelings honestly. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
28 upvotes
Hannah Howard
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it was the best decision I ever made. Internet is surprisingly good in most areas.
16 upvotes
Avery Brown
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 2 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the Greenfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
4 upvotes
Hazel Gonzalez
exactly what I was thinking
0 upvotes
Sadie Edwards
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 1 years. Moved from Boston for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. healthcare 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:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is tough - we have biking trails 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 tough. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Can feel isolated. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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