The median home value here is around $141,900, which is actually reasonable. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Appreciate any input.
13 upvotes
12 Replies
Cameron Roberts
preach
40 upvotes
Maya Young
Moved here from San Diego about 11 years ago. it's been a really good experience overall. Still getting used to cost of living but Feel free to reach out with questions..
40 upvotes
Weston Sanders
100%
37 upvotes
Audrey
wish I knew this sooner
35 upvotes
Melanie Collins
I'm a lawyer and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
35 upvotes
Alice
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Nashville about 10 years ago. The main reasons were work and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Lots of new development happening
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are developing, gas is average.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Feel free to reach out with questions..
18 upvotes
Delilah M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 55, moved here 2 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Eastside and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Property taxes are high
3. The outdoor recreation situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for couples. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 Raleigh, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
12 upvotes
Sebastian
I've lived in Lakewood for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Close to major attractions
- The weather scene is average
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. No regrets on my end..
6 upvotes
Willow Ruiz
following this thread
3 upvotes
Oliver White
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
3 upvotes
Carson Howard
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 10 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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