First post here. I'm retired and Average temperature is around 68--F, so the weather is moderate. It's a a small town city with about 11,152 people. The food scene here is surprisingly good. What are your go-to spots?
14 upvotes
6 Replies
Luca
I work in construction here and the quality of life is solid. The job market for my field is improving. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
36 upvotes
Elijah
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want public transit, then yeah this place is great. But if housing market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
31 upvotes
real_liam44
As someone who grew up here, I have mixed feelings honestly. A lot has changed in the past few years though. weather used to be much wild but now it's improving.
23 upvotes
Alice H.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 14 years. Moved from LA for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2024 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. finance 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 been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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 solid. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Urban sprawl is real. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
Eleanor Thomas
Bought a house here in 2024 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
4 upvotes
Weston Nelson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely decent and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
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