Hey folks, There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. What neighborhoods would you suggest? Any help is appreciated.
22 upvotes
16 Replies
Brooklyn Johnson
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is job market. I love the pace of life here. Worth doing your research before committing.
35 upvotes
Kayden C.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cultural scene, then yeah this place is great. But if community vibe matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
34 upvotes
Everett R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Baltimore about 15 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good healthcare facilities
- Decent public transit for the size
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are manageable, gas is excellent.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
34 upvotes
Zoe Flores
We moved here with our family and it's not perfect but it works for me. Schools in Uptown area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
31 upvotes
Leah R.
underrated comment
30 upvotes
Mia Flores
Moved here last year, no regrets.
29 upvotes
Ann R.
I've lived in Westside for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Portland, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Lots of new development happening
- The nightlife scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
28 upvotes
Aiden Jimenez
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.
26 upvotes
George K.
I've been living here for 8 years and I'd say I love the pace of life here. The school system is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
26 upvotes
Dylan J.
Can confirm, been here 11 years.
25 upvotes
Addison Cruz
following this thread
21 upvotes
Willow Bennett
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 10 years. Moved from Denver for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is improving - 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 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. Nightlife is limited. Bugs and humidity in summer. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
Scarlett L.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 15 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
20 upvotes
Benjamin Reyes
wish I knew this sooner
18 upvotes
Ian B.
I've lived in Maple Ridge for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The job market scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Can feel isolated
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. Hope this helps!.
13 upvotes
Nancy L.
Came here for retirement and stayed because it's exactly what I was looking for. The walkability is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.