Should I move to Mitchell or stay in San Francisco?
Random thought, I'm retired and Poverty rate is 6.8%, which is pretty low. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Has anyone dealt with this? The food scene here is surprisingly good.
3 upvotes
7 Replies
Sara O.
Used to live on the Maple Ridge side, now on the Cedar Grove side. Completely different vibe. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
39 upvotes
Hudson Brown
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 15 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
38 upvotes
Easton C.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 14 years. Moved from Denver for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have rivers 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 hit or miss. 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. Nightlife is limited. Bugs and humidity in summer. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
Ian Lewis
noted, appreciate it
26 upvotes
Quinn Rivera
Bought a house here in 2024 and it's not perfect but it works for me. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
6 upvotes
Elena
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 34, moved here 2 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Eastside and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Affordable housing options
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Limited shopping options
3. The cultural scene situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for retirees. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Dallas, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$110K 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.
4 upvotes
Ariana Adams
Used to live on the Pine Hills side, now on the Riverside side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
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