I'm single, late 40s, and Rent is about $1,033/month for a decent place. Poverty rate is 18.6%, which is higher than I expected. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development. Property taxes are high but you get good services. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
67 upvotes
4 Replies
Adrian
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 8 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
34 upvotes
Victoria Jimenez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 5 years. Moved from Boston for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2022 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. education 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:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have lakes 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 better than expected. 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 job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
Ethan
+1
7 upvotes
Evan Collins
Weather-wise, the summers are hit or miss and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
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