Been meaning to ask this. I'm retired and Average temperature is around 59--F, so the weather is moderate. The unemployment rate is 2.4%, which is pretty low. The median home value here is around $423,000, which is pretty steep. With a population of 40,828, Mount Juliet is a smaller city. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Thanks in advance! The suburbs are where most families end up. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The city has invested a lot in new development. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
29 upvotes
15 Replies
Sofia James
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Charlotte about 3 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are affordable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
37 upvotes
Madeline
spot on
35 upvotes
Aiden Young
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I love the pace of life here. Internet is better than expected in most areas.
34 upvotes
Paisley R.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from LA and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Uptown. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in tech. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Definitely worth checking out..
34 upvotes
Ian B.
As someone who grew up here, I have mixed feelings honestly. A lot has changed in the past few years though. weather used to be much wild but now it's average.
28 upvotes
Joseph B.
I've lived in North for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Active local events and festivals
- The walkability scene is improving
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Nightlife is limited
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
25 upvotes
Carter C.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 10 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
25 upvotes
philly_emilia
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 12 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
21 upvotes
David
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 15 years. Moved from Dallas for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
legal 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 genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - 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 underrated. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Limited high-paying job options. And weather 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.
16 upvotes
Sarah
been saying this for years
9 upvotes
Zoe Baker
this is the way
7 upvotes
alexa_vibes
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
6 upvotes
Lily
My experience has been mostly positive. it's improved dramatically in recent years. The only thing I'd watch out for is community vibe. Other than that, Would recommend to anyone considering it..
4 upvotes
Isaac Evans
nah I disagree
2 upvotes
Ryan
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely solid and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Maple Ridge) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. safety 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.
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