First post here. Military spouse here. The median home value here is around $200,400, which is actually reasonable. Median household income is $71,724, which feels about average for the area. Average temperature is around 50--F, so expect cold winters. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Thoughts? Thanks! I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
15 upvotes
5 Replies
Savannah S.
As someone who grew up here, the quality of life is solid. A lot has changed in the past few years though. job market used to be much competitive but now it's tough.
39 upvotes
Cooper Scott
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 15 years. Moved from Seattle for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. healthcare 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's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have national forests 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 hit or miss. 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. Limited high-paying job options. Can feel isolated. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
Melanie
As someone who grew up here, it's not perfect but it works for me. A lot has changed in the past few years though. housing market used to be much growing but now it's solid.
22 upvotes
Clara Foster
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is school system. it was the best decision I ever made. Worth doing your research before committing.
20 upvotes
Leo Sanders
I've lived in Fairview for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The traffic scene is average
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for remote workers. Definitely worth checking out..
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