Anyone else feel this way? Been living here since 2022. It's a a smaller city city with about 31,944 people. The median home value here is around $213,700, which is actually reasonable. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The city has invested a lot in new development. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The weather takes some getting used to. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
2 upvotes
25 Replies
Ella M.
I've lived in Lakewood for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Salt Lake City, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Affordable housing options
- Good airport with direct flights
- The weather scene is tough
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Hope this helps!.
33 upvotes
Kayden Brooks
great question, following
33 upvotes
Thomas Carter
My experience has been mostly positive. I love the pace of life here. The only thing I'd watch out for is safety. Other than that, Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
32 upvotes
Grayson Wilson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 11 years. Moved from Chicago for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. hospitality 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:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Uptown schools are pretty 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Limited shopping options. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
Jayden Parker
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 decent and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (West) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Bugs and humidity in summer.
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.
30 upvotes
Sebastian Johnson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 43, moved here 1 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in East and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The dating scene situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for families. solid vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Raleigh, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
28 upvotes
Emmett Torres
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
27 upvotes
avery_heart
accurate
25 upvotes
Steven C.
My experience has been mostly positive. I have mixed feelings honestly. The only thing I'd watch out for is cultural scene. Other than that, Hope this helps!.
24 upvotes
Mateo
I've lived in Midtown for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good healthcare facilities
- The job market scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for couples. Hope this helps!.
24 upvotes
Austin Myers
yeah no that's not right
24 upvotes
Jacob Myers
I'm a real estate agent and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
22 upvotes
Eleanor G.
yep
21 upvotes
Wesley Roberts
lol so true
21 upvotes
Leah Morgan
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely challenging and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (South) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Nashville, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
20 upvotes
Ezra A.
This.
17 upvotes
Ethan B.
I've lived in Fairview for about 1 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 San Francisco, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Lots of new development happening
- The healthcare scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for couples. Happy to answer more specific questions..
17 upvotes
Roman Evans
following this thread
15 upvotes
Aubrey Hughes
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 47, moved here 1 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Highland and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The community vibe situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for remote workers. decent vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Seattle, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $60K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
11 upvotes
Austin Martinez
Came here for family and stayed because it's not perfect but it works for me. The school system is honestly tough and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
8 upvotes
Grace Myers
good to know, thanks
8 upvotes
Miles Edwards
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Boston about 10 years ago. The main reasons were weather and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are growing, gas is excellent.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
7 upvotes
Bennett Phillips
Weather-wise, the summers are hit or miss and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
7 upvotes
Maya Price
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Austin about 15 years ago. The main reasons were weather and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Good airport with direct flights
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are established, gas is pretty good.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
1 upvotes
Betty R.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Tampa and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Downtown. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in legal. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Italian.
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