Hello, I'm a 32-year-old chef and Average temperature is around 52--F, so expect cold winters. You can expect to pay around $1,934 for rent here. Homes are going for about $434,800 on average. Rent is about $1,934/month for a decent place. Crime rate is something to consider -Ringwood sits at 41.1 per 100K. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Property taxes are high but you get good services. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Property taxes are high but you get good services. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. 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. The city has invested a lot in new development. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The city has invested a lot in new development. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
5 upvotes
6 Replies
Jameson Kim
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
35 upvotes
Sebastian Gomez
I've lived in Lakewood for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Salt Lake City, I was surprised by traffic. 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 food scene scene is solid
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for couples. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
32 upvotes
Zoey Parker
Weather-wise, the summers are hit or miss and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.
30 upvotes
Adeline Alvarez
Bought a house here in 2024 and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
24 upvotes
Piper Lee
wish I knew this sooner
13 upvotes
Lily Collins
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 46, moved here 9 years ago from Miami. I've lived in South and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Active local events and festivals
2. Diverse dining options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The safety situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for singles. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Miami, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $50K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
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