Hey everyone, Homes are going for about $829,700 on average. Rent is about $1,780/month for a decent place. Average temperature is around 52--F, so expect cold winters. With a population of 27,787, Monsey is a smaller city. The weather takes some getting used to. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Would love some local perspective. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The city has invested a lot in new development. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
3 upvotes
10 Replies
Kaylee Castillo
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. the quality of life is solid. Compared to LA it's better than expected.
38 upvotes
Alexa Martinez
I've been living here for 13 years and I'd say there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The weather is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall Hope this helps!.
32 upvotes
William Reed
great question, following
32 upvotes
Ruth 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 4 years. Moved from Dallas for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is solid - 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 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Chain restaurants dominate. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
Reagan Jones
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. it exceeded my expectations. Worth doing your research before committing.
28 upvotes
Brielle
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Internet is solid in most areas.
23 upvotes
Xavier Ross
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from San Diego about 2 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are competitive, gas is excellent.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Good luck with whatever you decide..
15 upvotes
Nevaeh Richardson
I've been living here for 3 years and I'd say it's improved dramatically in recent years. The walkability is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
14 upvotes
Evan Ruiz
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Houston, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour 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.
11 upvotes
Dominic Lopez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 43, moved here 3 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Greenfield and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The housing market situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for young professionals. improving vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $60K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
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