I'm retired and It's a a small town city with about 10,786 people. Poverty rate is 3.5%, which is pretty low. The unemployment rate is 2.3%, which is pretty low. You can expect to pay around $1,246 for rent here. The suburbs are where most families end up. The city has invested a lot in new development. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Anyone in a similar situation? The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Property taxes are high but you get good services. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
15 upvotes
4 Replies
Piper Richardson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely decent and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Maple Ridge) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living 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.
34 upvotes
Kai Mendoza
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 31, moved here 8 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Pine Hills and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Four distinct seasons
2. Diverse dining options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The cost of living situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for couples. decent 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 Phoenix, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
31 upvotes
Ethan Wood
I've lived in Lakewood for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from New York, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Strong job market in several industries
- The dating scene scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. Hope this helps!.
28 upvotes
Ruby Hernandez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 42, moved here 12 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Highland and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Can feel isolated
3. The weather situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for couples. tough vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 Charlotte, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $90K-$70K 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.
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