Longtime lurker here, I've been here for 14 years and The unemployment rate is 2.3%, which is pretty low. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. What do you all think? The suburbs are where most families end up. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
4 upvotes
12 Replies
Caleb C.
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it was the best decision I ever made.
40 upvotes
Skylar Kelly
Moved here from Boston about 15 years ago. it exceeded my expectations. Still getting used to cultural scene but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
36 upvotes
Aria H.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. the quality of life is solid. Compared to Baltimore it's excellent.
36 upvotes
Judith M.
Totally agree!
35 upvotes
Isla Watson
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's exactly what I was looking for. Internet is challenging in most areas.
32 upvotes
Jose Rodriguez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 47, moved here 7 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Cedar Grove and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
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. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The community vibe situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for couples. 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 San Diego, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $90K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
31 upvotes
Jose Bennett
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Dallas 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 The Heights. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
24 upvotes
Kaylee Walker
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 1 years. Moved from New York for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is solid - we have lakes 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 underrated. 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. Limited high-paying job options. Homeless population growing downtown. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
Axel W.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Good luck with whatever you decide..
17 upvotes
Naomi Phillips
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 54, moved here 2 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Greenfield and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The food scene situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for singles. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Phoenix, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $100K-$130K 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.
13 upvotes
Kinsley R.
I've been living here for 5 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The weather is improving compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
8 upvotes
Everett B.
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in West area are better than expected. Kids love it here.
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