Homes are going for about $420,300 on average. The unemployment rate is 3.3%, which is pretty low. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The city has invested a lot in new development. Should I be concerned?
50 upvotes
6 Replies
Anna Carter
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 36, moved here 1 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in West and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Affordable housing options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Property taxes are high
3. The public transit situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for singles. improving vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Chicago, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
39 upvotes
Delilah Garcia
The food scene here is tough. Tons of great farm-to-table places. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
33 upvotes
David Foster
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
31 upvotes
Ryan Wright
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 8 years. Moved from Charlotte for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. construction 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:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have ski resorts 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 surprisingly 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
25 upvotes
Benjamin K.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Seattle and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Cedar Grove. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in government. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
7 upvotes
Andrew B.
Came here for cost of living and stayed because it's not perfect but it works for me. The community vibe is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
All Countries
