Random thought, Been living here since 2010. The median home value here is around $144,500, which is actually reasonable. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Has anyone dealt with this? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
15 upvotes
15 Replies
mountain_valentina3
As someone who grew up here, it's not perfect but it works for me. A lot has changed in the past few years though. public transit used to be much competitive but now it's improving.
37 upvotes
local_lucas59
I work in manufacturing here and it exceeded my expectations. The job market for my field is excellent. No regrets on my end..
35 upvotes
Olivia
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Minneapolis about 2 years ago. The main reasons were weather and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Decent public transit for the size
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are manageable, gas is solid.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
31 upvotes
Allison Clark
honestly same experience here
29 upvotes
Quinn R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 30, moved here 2 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Maple Ridge and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The job market situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for young professionals. underrated vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Portland, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
25 upvotes
Andrew Evans
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it's not perfect but it works for me. Compared to Salt Lake City it's underrated.
24 upvotes
Aaliyah M.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 7 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
14 upvotes
Arianna Brown
As someone who grew up here, it's not perfect but it works for me. A lot has changed in the past few years though. weather used to be much growing but now it's improving.
12 upvotes
Ezra Allen
underrated comment
11 upvotes
Josiah Stewart
The food scene here is solid. Tons of great Thai places. it's exactly what I was looking for.
10 upvotes
Santiago Parker
couldn't agree more
8 upvotes
Autumn Rivera
I've been living here for 13 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor recreation is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
6 upvotes
Eli Brooks
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 3 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
5 upvotes
Aiden K.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 5 years. Moved from San Francisco for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2018 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is average - we have mountains 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 solid. 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. Limited high-paying job options. Road conditions need improvement. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
3 upvotes
Clara P.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 15 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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