The unemployment rate is 2.7%, which is pretty low. You can expect to pay around $2,176 for rent here. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Has anyone dealt with this? The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
4 upvotes
3 Replies
Katherine W.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Dallas and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Greenfield. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in legal. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
12 upvotes
Victoria Baker
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 7 years. Moved from Portland for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. engineering 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:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is average - 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 improving. 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 job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
All Countries
