Been meaning to ask this. I'm a college student here and Average temperature is around 62--F, so the weather is moderate. It's a a small town city with about 10,733 people. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
1 upvotes
3 Replies
Grace Morales
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 Phoenix for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. consulting 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:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have biking trails 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 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. Limited public transit options. Road conditions need improvement. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
9 upvotes
Kayden H.
Public transit is challenging here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's improved dramatically in recent years.