Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Should I be concerned? TIA! The suburbs are where most families end up.
2 upvotes
15 Replies
Brooks
Came here for family and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The weather is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
38 upvotes
Eliana
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely improving and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Fairview) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Charlotte, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Limited shopping options.
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.
37 upvotes
Stella Reed
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, the quality of life is solid. No regrets on my end..
31 upvotes
Santiago Price
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is housing market. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Worth doing your research before committing.
28 upvotes
Roman
noted, appreciate it
27 upvotes
Dylan Nelson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Miami and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Meadowbrook. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in construction. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
26 upvotes
roman_mama
I've been living here for 6 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The nightlife is excellent compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
22 upvotes
Ezra Brown
accurate
19 upvotes
Avery M.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
17 upvotes
Austin 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 6 years. Moved from Denver for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is average - 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 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 walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
14 upvotes
Colton Gonzalez
nah I disagree
14 upvotes
Sophia Baker
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's not perfect but it works for me. No regrets on my end..
12 upvotes
Thomas Brown
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely decent and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Maple Ridge) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Road conditions need improvement.
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.
5 upvotes
Piper P.
thanks for sharing
5 upvotes
Brooklyn White
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from New York about 4 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Decent public transit for the size
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are developing, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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