Not sure if this has been asked before, but The unemployment rate is 3.8%, which is pretty low. With a population of 44,311, Oakley is a smaller city. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. 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. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The suburbs are where most families end up.
25 upvotes
12 Replies
Sophia M.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Compared to Baltimore it's underrated.
40 upvotes
Kayla C.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely underrated and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Riverside) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
34 upvotes
Quinn G.
not my experience at all
33 upvotes
Everett Ruiz
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want food scene, then yeah this place is great. But if traffic matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
27 upvotes
Cora
My experience has been mostly positive. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The only thing I'd watch out for is cultural scene. Other than that, Would recommend to anyone considering it..
25 upvotes
Stella Turner
wish I knew this sooner
25 upvotes
Willow Torres
Moved here from New York about 9 years ago. it exceeded my expectations. Still getting used to community vibe but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
17 upvotes
Christian S.
Moved here from Baltimore about 6 years ago. it exceeded my expectations. Still getting used to safety but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
16 upvotes
Charlotte Morales
I've lived in Lakewood for about 4 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 Miami, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The housing market scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Definitely worth checking out..
11 upvotes
raised_brooks63
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Oak Park. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in consulting. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Asian.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
11 upvotes
Aaliyah Cook
it depends on the neighborhood
10 upvotes
aaron_native
Public transit is challenging here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
All Countries
