OK so You can expect to pay around $1,039 for rent here. The median home value here is around $120,600, which is actually reasonable. Poverty rate is 22.5%, which is higher than I expected. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. What are your go-to spots? Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The city has invested a lot in new development. The suburbs are where most families end up. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much.
31 upvotes
7 Replies
Sophia R.
As someone who grew up here, I genuinely enjoy living here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. nightlife used to be much stable but now it's average.
40 upvotes
Lydia Cooper
good to know, thanks
33 upvotes
Paisley Wright
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 2 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Decent public transit for the size
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are competitive, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Good luck with whatever you decide..
32 upvotes
Nathan Carter
The food scene here is improving. Tons of great Asian places. it exceeded my expectations.
24 upvotes
Ralph L.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from LA and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Downtown. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in legal. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
13 upvotes
Christopher L.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 2 years. Moved from San Francisco for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is tough - we have mountains 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 better than expected. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
4 upvotes
Jayden Lewis
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it's not perfect but it works for me. Compared to San Francisco it's decent.
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