Hey folks, The unemployment rate is 2.8%, which is pretty low. Worth the trade-offs? Thanks!
2 upvotes
7 Replies
Samuel B.
Can confirm, been here 5 years.
40 upvotes
Lucas Gonzalez
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is healthcare. I have mixed feelings honestly. Worth doing your research before committing.
34 upvotes
Kayden King
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cultural scene, then yeah this place is great. But if cultural scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
32 upvotes
dallas_eliana
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 41, moved here 11 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in North and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The traffic situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for young professionals. challenging vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
19 upvotes
Brooks Taylor
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 4 years. Moved from San Francisco for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2020 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. consulting 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 was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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. Uptown schools are better than expected. 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. Nightlife is limited. Homeless population growing downtown. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Maverick Castillo
I've lived in Lakewood for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good internet infrastructure
- The outdoor recreation scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Can feel isolated
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for remote workers. Feel free to reach out with questions..
12 upvotes
Autumn Flores
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Atlanta and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Pine Hills. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in education. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.