Hey folks, I'm a remote worker and The median home value here is around $657,800, which is pretty steep. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Would love some local perspective. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
32 upvotes
6 Replies
Paisley King
We moved here with our family and it's been a really good experience overall. Schools in Lakewood area are average. Kids love it here.
36 upvotes
Leah
exactly what I was thinking
32 upvotes
Thomas L.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Denver about 7 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are developing, gas is average.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Feel free to reach out with questions..
32 upvotes
Jameson Reed
Came here for family and stayed because I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor recreation is honestly surprisingly good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
6 upvotes
Christian Gray
Came here for school and stayed because I'm still on the fence after all this time. The cultural scene is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
6 upvotes
Julia Hall
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 53, moved here 14 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Sunset and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The walkability situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for couples. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Austin, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $70K-$80K 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.
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