Anyone else feel this way? I'm a nurse at the local hospital and You can expect to pay around $1,405 for rent here. The median home value here is around $377,100, which seems about average. It's a a small town city with about 19,906 people. Rent is about $1,405/month for a decent place. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
5 upvotes
12 Replies
Ezra Perez
100%
29 upvotes
Isabella Moore
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. Definitely worth checking out..
29 upvotes
Brooks S.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 26, moved here 11 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in The Heights and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Great outdoor activities nearby
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The food scene situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for young professionals. solid vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$90K 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.
22 upvotes
Josiah Turner
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 2 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
16 upvotes
Quinn Stewart
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely average and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Miami, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
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.
11 upvotes
Luna Campbell
exactly what I was thinking
6 upvotes
Andrew Phillips
seconding this
4 upvotes
Ronald T.
it depends on the neighborhood
2 upvotes
Weston Clark
As someone who grew up here, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. A lot has changed in the past few years though. school system used to be much pricey but now it's better than expected.
2 upvotes
Logan Foster
not my experience at all
1 upvotes
Wayne H.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely underrated and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (East) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
1 upvotes
David M.
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 Nashville for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is average - 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 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. Urban sprawl is real. Limited entertainment options. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
All Countries
