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Ezra L.
jobs
Starting a business in Powell?
First post here. Let me know your thoughts. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
11 upvotes
12 Replies
Andrew
Moved here from Denver about 12 years ago. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Still getting used to food scene but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
38 upvotes
Kennedy Watson
Hot take but it was the best decision I ever made. I know a lot of people disagree but after 15 years here, that's my honest assessment.
32 upvotes
Mackenzie Gutierrez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely solid and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely solid and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
31 upvotes
Kaylee Hall
Bought a house here in 2021 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone about the same since then.
27 upvotes
Camila Bennett
great question, following
20 upvotes
Luca Wood
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from San Diego and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Eastside. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in engineering. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like sushi.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Eastside. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in engineering. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like sushi.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
19 upvotes
Adeline Jimenez
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is dating scene. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
19 upvotes
austin_ruby
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 8 years. Moved from Houston for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2019 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
engineering 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:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. 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. Lakewood schools are underrated. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Lakewood for 8 years. Moved from Houston for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2019 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
engineering 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:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. 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. Lakewood schools are underrated. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Lucy Price
I've lived in Westside for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good internet infrastructure
- The community vibe scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. Good luck with whatever you decide..
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good internet infrastructure
- The community vibe scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. Good luck with whatever you decide..
8 upvotes
Elena R.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I genuinely enjoy living here. Feel free to reach out with questions..
7 upvotes
Doris G.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 41, moved here 12 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Highland and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Strong sense of community
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. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The food scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for couples. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Dallas, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 41, moved here 12 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Highland and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Strong sense of community
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. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The food scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for couples. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Dallas, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
5 upvotes
Emily G.
I work in education here and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The job market for my field is average. Definitely worth checking out..
3 upvotes