Hey folks, Just moved here 4 months ago and Median household income is $89,700, which feels pretty solid for the area. Average temperature is around 49--F, so expect cold winters. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
15 upvotes
11 Replies
Allison S.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely underrated and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Eastside) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Pittsburgh, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
40 upvotes
Audrey B.
literally same
30 upvotes
sdpapa2022
Moved here from San Diego about 9 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to walkability but Hope this helps!.
27 upvotes
Daniel D.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 39, moved here 3 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Lakewood and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Active local events and festivals
2. Four distinct seasons
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. Nightlife is limited
2. Can feel isolated
3. The food scene situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for young professionals. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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
Emma Chavez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 4 years. Moved from San Francisco for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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:**
hospitality is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is solid - 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 underrated. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Urban sprawl is real. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
Michael Collins
I've lived in Old Town for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Portland, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Diverse dining options
- The cost of living scene is average
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. Happy to answer more specific questions..
16 upvotes
Xavier Allen
not my experience at all
14 upvotes
Hazel Bennett
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want pet-friendliness, then yeah this place is great. But if weather matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
11 upvotes
Madeline Wright
literally same
6 upvotes
Julie O.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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