Not sure if this has been asked before, but Rent is about $1,072/month for a decent place. Average temperature is around 58--F, so the weather is moderate. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. What neighborhoods would you suggest? The city has invested a lot in new development. The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The food scene here is surprisingly good. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
8 upvotes
8 Replies
Riley Adams
My experience has been mostly positive. I have mixed feelings honestly. The only thing I'd watch out for is dating scene. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..
38 upvotes
Chloe Jones
We moved here with our family and it's exactly what I was looking for. Schools in East area are improving. Kids love it here.
36 upvotes
Easton
I've lived in Greenfield for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Lots of new development happening
- The job market scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Limited shopping options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for retirees. Good luck with whatever you decide..
32 upvotes
Dominic Turner
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want outdoor recreation, then yeah this place is great. But if job market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
29 upvotes
Nolan
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's not perfect but it works for me. Internet is average in most areas.
19 upvotes
Judith T.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 43, moved here 2 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Downtown and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The job market situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for retirees. 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 Seattle, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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
charlotte_jace
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 14 years. Moved from New York for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is improving - 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 surprisingly 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. Homeless population growing downtown. Far from beaches/mountains. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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