First post here. Am I overthinking this? The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
5 upvotes
15 Replies
Claire Brown
I've lived in Sunset for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good internet infrastructure
- The outdoor recreation scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for remote workers. Definitely worth checking out..
34 upvotes
Aaliyah Scott
glad someone said it
32 upvotes
Henry W.
Used to live on the Lakewood side, now on the Riverside side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.
30 upvotes
Jace Reyes
Public transit is pretty good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. the quality of life is solid.
30 upvotes
Natalie W.
I've been living here for 9 years and I'd say it was the best decision I ever made. The housing market is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
22 upvotes
Daniel G.
literally same
21 upvotes
Johnny A.
Saving this thread
19 upvotes
Sophia Hernandez
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in East area are average. Kids love it here.
14 upvotes
Silas M.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Boston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Midtown. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in consulting. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
13 upvotes
Clara
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Miami about 3 years ago. The main reasons were family and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Rising rent and home prices
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are developing, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Good luck with whatever you decide..
9 upvotes
Jeremiah H.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it was the best decision I ever made. Internet is underrated in most areas.
7 upvotes
Daniel Sanders
I'm a data analyst and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is underrated and there's always something going on.
7 upvotes
Emma Cooper
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Houston about 8 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Four distinct seasons
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are stable, gas is excellent.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
5 upvotes
Ellie Mendoza
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 7 years. Moved from Boston for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2021 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have desert landscapes 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 improving. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Chain restaurants dominate. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
2 upvotes
Paisley
I've been living here for 7 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The housing market is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
All Countries
