Hey, I'm retired and Homes are going for about $172,000 on average. The median home value here is around $172,000, which is actually reasonable. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. Is this normal for Milwaukee? There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. The city has invested a lot in new development.
61 upvotes
27 Replies
Kennedy Gutierrez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 5 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into running, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
39 upvotes
Lily Robinson
As someone who grew up here, I genuinely enjoy living here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. outdoor recreation used to be much established but now it's average.
39 upvotes
Josiah R.
I've lived in Lakewood for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Lots of new development happening
- Good airport with direct flights
- The community vibe scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. Good luck with whatever you decide..
33 upvotes
Vivian L.
Public transit is tough here. You'll probably need a car for most things. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
32 upvotes
Leo Cooper
seconding this
31 upvotes
Valentina Turner
I'm a real estate agent and I've found I love the pace of life here. The community is average and there's always something going on.
27 upvotes
Avery Morgan
preach
22 upvotes
nyc_piper
bump
22 upvotes
houston_elijah
underrated comment
19 upvotes
Amelia Campbell
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Internet is tough in most areas.
16 upvotes
Theodore
Moved here from Pittsburgh about 10 years ago. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Still getting used to weather but Happy to answer more specific questions..
16 upvotes
Sofia
facts
15 upvotes
Gianna Bennett
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Oak Park for 2 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is tough - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Oak Park schools are pretty good. 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. Limited public transit options. Road conditions need improvement. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
15 upvotes
Liam King
Hot take but I'm still on the fence after all this time. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
14 upvotes
Grayson
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cost of living, then yeah this place is great. But if cultural scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
12 upvotes
Adam Jackson
Bought a house here in 2024 and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
12 upvotes
Cooper Green
Can confirm, been here 5 years.
11 upvotes
Aiden Kelly
The food scene here is solid. Tons of great Southern places. I have mixed feelings honestly.
9 upvotes
Axel K.
I've lived in Lakewood for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from New York, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Lots of new development happening
- The pet-friendliness scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Urban sprawl is real
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for couples. Definitely worth checking out..
9 upvotes
Sarah Moore
My experience has been mostly positive. it was the best decision I ever made. The only thing I'd watch out for is dating scene. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..
8 upvotes
Rylee Collins
Public transit is better than expected here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.
7 upvotes
Everly
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely underrated and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Westside) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Dating scene is rough.
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.
5 upvotes
la_natalie
Hot take but I genuinely enjoy living here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
5 upvotes
Mateo Stewart
Used to live on the Pine Hills side, now on the The Heights side. Completely different vibe. I have mixed feelings honestly.
5 upvotes
Weston N.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 10 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
3 upvotes
Arianna Alvarez
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
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