Hi all, Rent is about $974/month for a decent place. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Has anyone dealt with this? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
3 upvotes
12 Replies
Andrew Harris
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
31 upvotes
Madelyn Harris
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 14 years. Moved from Houston for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2022 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are excellent. 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. Property taxes are high. Homeless population growing downtown. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
29 upvotes
aaron_living
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Nashville about 2 years ago. The main reasons were school and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good internet infrastructure
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are affordable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
24 upvotes
Emilia
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 13 years. Moved from Seattle for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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 improving. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Limited entertainment options. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
Landon Mitchell
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Raleigh about 10 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Affordable housing options
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Summers can be brutally hot
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are competitive, gas is solid.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. No regrets on my end..
19 upvotes
Gabriel Ramirez
Saving this thread
19 upvotes
Sebastian Cooper
it depends on the neighborhood
14 upvotes
Jeremiah P.
As someone who grew up here, it's not perfect but it works for me. A lot has changed in the past few years though. cultural scene used to be much competitive but now it's hit or miss.
13 upvotes
James Collins
interesting, hadn't considered that
12 upvotes
Donna M.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. No regrets on my end..
3 upvotes
detroit_michael
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from San Diego about 4 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are reasonable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Feel free to reach out with questions..
2 upvotes
Nova R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 7 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth down slightly 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:**
engineering is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South 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. Urban sprawl is real. Limited shopping options. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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