Hello, The median home value here is around $440,600, which is pretty steep. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. What are your go-to spots? Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
11 upvotes
8 Replies
Jean C.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Phoenix and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Riverside. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in marketing. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
39 upvotes
Delilah
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I genuinely enjoy living here. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.
36 upvotes
Luca Mitchell
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 6 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. tech 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:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have rivers 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 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. Nightlife is limited. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
Delilah
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 26, moved here 11 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Pine Hills and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Diverse dining options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Can feel isolated
3. The outdoor recreation situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for remote workers. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Baltimore, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $50K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
15 upvotes
Kinsley
underrated comment
14 upvotes
Sadie R.
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 14 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 Chicago, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The pet-friendliness scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. Hope this helps!.
13 upvotes
Emma Richardson
spot on
4 upvotes
Angel L.
Used to live on the West side, now on the Lakewood side. Completely different vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
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