Alright, I relocated for work and You can expect to pay around $1,313 for rent here. Median household income is $71,724, which feels about average for the area. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Am I wrong here? The suburbs are where most families end up. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The suburbs are where most families end up. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
2 upvotes
8 Replies
Matthew S.
Saving this thread
38 upvotes
Weston J.
I've lived in Lakewood for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good airport with direct flights
- The traffic scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for couples. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
37 upvotes
Hailey T.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. I have mixed feelings honestly. Compared to Phoenix it's surprisingly good.
25 upvotes
Brielle Hill
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 28, moved here 3 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Old Town and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Affordable housing options
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The school system situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for retirees. average vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Phoenix, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $40K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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
Victoria Baker
As someone who grew up here, the quality of life is solid. A lot has changed in the past few years though. walkability used to be much established but now it's excellent.
15 upvotes
Emilia Stewart
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 7 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
10 upvotes
oaklandrider2024
Used to live on the Sunset side, now on the Pine Hills side. Completely different vibe. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
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