I'm single, late 30s, and Homes are going for about $360,400 on average. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Thoughts? People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
12 upvotes
15 Replies
Luca Price
Used to live on the East side, now on the Cedar Grove side. Completely different vibe. it's not perfect but it works for me.
40 upvotes
Roman Johnson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Nashville and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Eastside. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in legal. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
No regrets on my end..
34 upvotes
Violet Robinson
Bought a house here in 2021 and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Property values have gone about the same since then.
29 upvotes
Nicholas H.
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from LA, 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
- Four distinct seasons
- The walkability scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for couples. No regrets on my end..
28 upvotes
Piper
couldn't agree more
27 upvotes
Chloe Peterson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely decent and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Pittsburgh, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
24 upvotes
Clara Sanders
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 13 years. Moved from Raleigh for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have biking trails 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 surprisingly good. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Homeless population growing downtown. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, 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.
23 upvotes
detroitsoul2020
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The weather is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
22 upvotes
proud_parker36
Bought a house here in 2024 and I love the pace of life here. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
19 upvotes
Olivia Sanchez
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is outdoor recreation. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Worth doing your research before committing.
14 upvotes
Emily O.
underrated comment
14 upvotes
wild_james59
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from San Diego and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in East. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in legal. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
No regrets on my end..
12 upvotes
Wesley Clark
haha yep pretty much
11 upvotes
Skylar Ortiz
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
8 upvotes
Reagan B.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want pet-friendliness, then yeah this place is great. But if community vibe matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
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