Hey everyone, I've been here for 9 years and The unemployment rate is 5.4%, which is about average. The median home value here is around $463,500, which is pretty steep. The city has invested a lot in new development. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The weather takes some getting used to.
21 upvotes
5 Replies
Luna Watson
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it's exactly what I was looking for. Compared to LA it's challenging.
38 upvotes
Clara F.
The food scene here is hit or miss. Tons of great sushi places. it exceeded my expectations.
21 upvotes
Silas T.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Phoenix about 14 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Active local events and festivals
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Winters are long and cold
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are wild, gas is underrated.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Feel free to reach out with questions..
14 upvotes
Lydia Mendoza
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Happy to answer more specific questions..
7 upvotes
Emmett James
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 9 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. government 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:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is average - 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 decent. 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. Winters are long and cold. Rising rent and home prices. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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