Anyone else feel this way? Household incomes average around $133,579 in Royal Kunia. The median home value here is around $833,000, which is pretty steep. It's a a small town city with about 13,687 people. The unemployment rate is 4.1%, which is about average. The weather takes some getting used to. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. What would you do? Any help is appreciated. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
9 upvotes
13 Replies
Brielle Wright
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from San Diego about 14 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited public transit options
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are pricey, gas is average.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Definitely worth checking out..
39 upvotes
native_riley54
as a local I can confirm
36 upvotes
Daniel Rivera
couldn't agree more
34 upvotes
Jordan Parker
glad someone said it
33 upvotes
Kelly H.
wish I knew this sooner
30 upvotes
Skylar Flores
I've lived in Lakewood for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Decent public transit for the size
- The weather scene is solid
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for couples. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
24 upvotes
Jaxon M.
I work in tech here and I have mixed feelings honestly. The job market for my field is average. Definitely worth checking out..
24 upvotes
Declan
facts
10 upvotes
Emma Lee
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 51, moved here 5 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Lakewood and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Affordable housing options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The walkability situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for retirees. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Charlotte, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$120K 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.
8 upvotes
Olivia K.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 11 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
6 upvotes
Samuel H.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
5 upvotes
Hannah P.
interesting, hadn't considered that
2 upvotes
Mateo
Public transit is improving here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
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