Been living here since 2008. Median household income is $53,286, which feels on the lower side for the area. The unemployment rate is 3.3%, which is pretty low. Poverty rate is 14.2%, which is around average. The median home value here is around $114,600, which is actually reasonable. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. What neighborhoods would you suggest? Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The weather takes some getting used to. Property taxes are high but you get good services. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The weather takes some getting used to. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
11 upvotes
7 Replies
peyton_rider
This.
40 upvotes
Brooks Bailey
Can confirm, been here 1 years.
31 upvotes
Landon Ross
hmm interesting perspective
30 upvotes
Gianna W.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 9 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Midtown side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
16 upvotes
Alexa H.
same here
15 upvotes
hailey_soul
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.
6 upvotes
Jaxon Martin
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 13 years. Moved from Boston for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. tech 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 improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is decent - we have hiking 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 decent. 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. Bugs and humidity in summer. Far from beaches/mountains. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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