Anyone else feel this way? The weather takes some getting used to. The weather takes some getting used to.
6 upvotes
15 Replies
Madelyn Reyes
My experience has been mostly positive. it's not perfect but it works for me. The only thing I'd watch out for is school system. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..
39 upvotes
Evan C.
Moved here from Denver about 7 years ago. it's exactly what I was looking for. Still getting used to walkability but Good luck with whatever you decide..
39 upvotes
Parker Diaz
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is job market. it's not perfect but it works for me. Worth doing your research before committing.
36 upvotes
Ian Turner
I work in finance here and I love the pace of life here. The job market for my field is pretty good. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
30 upvotes
Ellie Thomas
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's not perfect but it works for me. Internet is challenging in most areas.
30 upvotes
Jeremiah Carter
it depends on the neighborhood
27 upvotes
Emmett C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 24, moved here 8 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Oak Park and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Great outdoor activities nearby
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The nightlife situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for singles. tough vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Portland, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $40K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
27 upvotes
Hudson Morris
I've lived in Lakewood for about 15 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 Phoenix, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Close to major attractions
- The housing market scene is decent
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Rising rent and home prices
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for singles. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
23 upvotes
violet_lover
Bought a house here in 2018 and I have mixed feelings honestly. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
13 upvotes
Serenity Ramirez
lol so true
11 upvotes
Logan J.
I've been living here for 14 years and I'd say the quality of life is solid. The dating scene is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
10 upvotes
Kayden Stewart
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 46, moved here 10 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Eastside and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The school system situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for remote workers. solid vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 Phoenix, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$150K 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.
8 upvotes
Allison P.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. Hope this helps!.