I'm a nurse at the local hospital and The unemployment rate is 2.6%, which is pretty low. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
8 upvotes
15 Replies
Reagan
couldn't agree more
39 upvotes
Jameson Flores
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 9 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Midtown side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
37 upvotes
jaxon_fan
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 10 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into running, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
33 upvotes
Declan Morris
The food scene here is decent. Tons of great Asian places. I love the pace of life here.
32 upvotes
coastal_charlotte9
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 7 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
29 upvotes
Claire L.
Can confirm, been here 12 years.
28 upvotes
Maya Peterson
100%
24 upvotes
Dylan Williams
My experience has been mostly positive. I genuinely enjoy living here. The only thing I'd watch out for is public transit. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..
21 upvotes
Isaiah
Can confirm, been here 6 years.
17 upvotes
kaylee_lover
honestly same experience here
14 upvotes
Jeremiah W.
exactly what I was thinking
14 upvotes
Shirley B.
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
13 upvotes
Samuel Carter
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 3 years. Moved from Baltimore for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2017 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. hospitality 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 have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have hiking trails 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. Limited shopping options. Bugs and humidity in summer. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
11 upvotes
Miles L.
glad someone said it
11 upvotes
Lydia
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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