Curious what people think. You can expect to pay around $2,165 for rent here. Poverty rate is 5.0%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $102,231, which feels pretty solid for the area. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Worth the trade-offs? Thanks for reading. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The suburbs are where most families end up. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
4 upvotes
6 Replies
Harold M.
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.
36 upvotes
Christian Stewart
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 Seattle for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2021 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. tech 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 love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have state parks 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 better than expected. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Limited entertainment options. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Andrew Hernandez
lol so true
24 upvotes
Landon Morgan
Bought a house here in 2018 and I love the pace of life here. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
23 upvotes
Ezra C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 33, moved here 11 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Greenfield and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The outdoor recreation situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for families. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $80K-$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.
17 upvotes
Olivia O.
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.
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