I'm a remote worker and With a population of 5,780, Princeton is a small town. It's a a small town city with about 5,780 people. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
12 upvotes
11 Replies
Jeremiah Brown
great question, following
40 upvotes
Cora Hernandez
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is outdoor recreation. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Worth doing your research before committing.
37 upvotes
Gianna Brooks
We moved here with our family and it's exactly what I was looking for. Schools in Greenfield area are decent. Kids love it here.
32 upvotes
Daniel Price
Used to live on the Fairview side, now on the South side. Completely different vibe. I love the pace of life here.
31 upvotes
Emmett Kim
Bought a house here in 2019 and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Property values have gone about the same since then.
29 upvotes
John
Can confirm, been here 3 years.
28 upvotes
Brittany M.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 13 years. Moved from Dallas for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2018 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. construction 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 was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is tough - 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 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Homeless population growing downtown. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
Santiago
Came here for school and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The weather is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
12 upvotes
Madeline Walker
hard disagree but ok
9 upvotes
Camila Foster
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from New York about 5 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Active local events and festivals
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Nightlife is limited
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are affordable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
1 upvotes
oakland_anna
Used to live on the Maple Ridge side, now on the Midtown side. Completely different vibe. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
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