So, Born and raised here. With a population of 66,224, Novi is a smaller city. Homes are going for about $399,100 on average. It's a a smaller city city with about 66,224 people. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
Pros:
- Good job market
- Easy commute
- Active local events
- Good airport connections
Cons:
- Limited public transit
- Boring for young people
- Mosquitoes and humidity
The food scene here is surprisingly good. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The weather takes some getting used to. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
0 upvotes
25 Replies
Luca Turner
I'm a project manager and I've found the quality of life is solid. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
38 upvotes
Silas Kim
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Compared to Pittsburgh it's tough.
35 upvotes
Arianna W.
Moved here from Baltimore about 14 years ago. I love the pace of life here. Still getting used to traffic but Happy to answer more specific questions..
32 upvotes
Evan Murphy
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Internet is excellent in most areas.
27 upvotes
Eva Bennett
I've lived in Lakewood for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Affordable housing options
- The pet-friendliness scene is average
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. Happy to answer more specific questions..
26 upvotes
Piper W.
I've been living here for 9 years and I'd say there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The dating scene is better than expected compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
26 upvotes
Henry Ward
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 15 years. Moved from Denver for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2017 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. retail 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's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - 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 challenging. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Limited shopping options. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
Parker Martinez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely solid and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Highland) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Nashville, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Limited shopping options.
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.
26 upvotes
Connor
hard disagree but ok
25 upvotes
Allison B.
facts
21 upvotes
Serenity B.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it was the best decision I ever made. Good luck with whatever you decide..
18 upvotes
Clara Miller
Weather-wise, the summers are excellent and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
14 upvotes
Melanie Roberts
I've lived in Lakewood for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Close to major attractions
- The outdoor recreation scene is average
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Urban sprawl is real
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for young professionals. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
12 upvotes
Ashley G.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want walkability, then yeah this place is great. But if housing market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
11 upvotes
Zoey Price
Came here for family and stayed because there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The job market is honestly surprisingly good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
10 upvotes
Alexa
noted, appreciate it
8 upvotes
Nicholas B.
hmm interesting perspective
7 upvotes
Maya Diaz
underrated comment
7 upvotes
Jackson Phillips
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.
5 upvotes
Leah L.
Moved here from New York about 7 years ago. the quality of life is solid. Still getting used to nightlife but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
3 upvotes
Olivia Reed
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 37, moved here 3 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Fairview and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Can feel isolated
3. The cultural scene situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for couples. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Charlotte, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
3 upvotes
Caleb R.
The food scene here is pretty good. Tons of great craft beer places. it's been a really good experience overall.
3 upvotes
Brooks W.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's exactly what I was looking for. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
2 upvotes
Eleanor Garcia
I'm a data analyst and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. The community is challenging and there's always something going on.
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