I'm retired and Average temperature is around 67--F, so the weather is moderate. It's a a small town city with about 11,195 people. Poverty rate is 10.8%, which is around average. Homes are going for about $161,400 on average. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
3 upvotes
10 Replies
Henry P.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Denver and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in The Heights. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in finance. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
37 upvotes
Doris M.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Minneapolis about 1 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good schools in most areas
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are manageable, gas is average.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Definitely worth checking out..
35 upvotes
Cheryl S.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's not perfect but it works for me. Internet is pretty good in most areas.
31 upvotes
Bryan L.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 7 years. Moved from Seattle for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Eastside schools are excellent. 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. Limited shopping options. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
Julian Torres
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it exceeded my expectations. Compared to San Diego it's better than expected.
19 upvotes
Benjamin Stewart
My experience has been mostly positive. it's been a really good experience overall. The only thing I'd watch out for is weather. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..
18 upvotes
Stella Thompson
good to know, thanks
14 upvotes
Isaiah Morgan
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 14 years. Moved from Charlotte for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. construction 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 not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is average - 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. Westside schools are challenging. 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. Bugs and humidity in summer. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
14 upvotes
Angel Thomas
My experience has been mostly positive. it exceeded my expectations. The only thing I'd watch out for is dating scene. Other than that, Hope this helps!.
12 upvotes
Julian Mendoza
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 2 years. Moved from Portland for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. legal 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 improving - we have lakes 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 excellent. 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 public transit options. Homeless population growing downtown. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
All Countries
