Hey, We're a young couple and The unemployment rate is 5.4%, which is about average. Poverty rate is 22.4%, which is higher than I expected. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
3 upvotes
10 Replies
Gabriel A.
I've lived in Lakewood for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by nightlife. 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 community vibe scene is decent
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
36 upvotes
Jacob Brooks
interesting, hadn't considered that
33 upvotes
Wyatt Castillo
literally same
32 upvotes
delilah_native
honestly same experience here
31 upvotes
Zachary B.
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Active local events and festivals
- The outdoor recreation scene is improving
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for singles. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
29 upvotes
Roman Ward
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Pittsburgh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Uptown. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in marketing. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
25 upvotes
Eric L.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 51, moved here 10 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Highland and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The cultural scene situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for retirees. decent vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
13 upvotes
Elijah W.
exactly what I was thinking
3 upvotes
Robert Evans
I've lived in West for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Good airport with direct flights
- The food scene scene is average
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Nightlife is limited
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for families. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
2 upvotes
Stella Gutierrez
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The healthcare is honestly better than expected and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
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