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Genesis Parker living

Why I chose Parkland over bigger cities

I relocated for work and Average temperature is around 54--F, so expect cold winters. Rent is about $1,593/month for a decent place. Homes are going for about $382,700 on average. Median household income is $71,829, which feels about average for the area. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The weather takes some getting used to. The city has invested a lot in new development.

Pros:
- Great weather
- Friendly people
- Diverse community
- Plenty of shopping options
- Good airport connections

Cons:
- Cold winters
- Poor road conditions
- Limited cultural events
- Not enough green space
Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
22 upvotes

3 Replies

John Reed
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Nashville and here's my honest breakdown:

Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Oak Park. It's decent for what you get.

Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in construction. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.

People: Generally pretty good. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.

Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Korean.

Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
23 upvotes
Emilia
Used to live on the Cedar Grove side, now on the Fairview side. Completely different vibe. I genuinely enjoy living here.
16 upvotes
Scarlett R.
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 Miami for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.

**Employment:**
retail is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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 tough. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Far from beaches/mountains. And cultural scene 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.
11 upvotes
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