Curious what people think. I'm a 54-year-old software engineer and It's a a mid-size city city with about 229K people. Average temperature is around 62°F, so the weather is moderate. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Property taxes are high but you get good services. What are your go-to spots? I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
50 upvotes
23 Replies
Henry Price
Used to live on the Lakewood side, now on the Meadowbrook side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
32 upvotes
Angel Ramos
My experience has been mostly positive. the quality of life is solid. The only thing I'd watch out for is cultural scene. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
32 upvotes
James Stewart
Hot take but it was the best decision I ever made. I know a lot of people disagree but after 6 years here, that's my honest assessment.
30 upvotes
Evan Peterson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 3 years. Moved from Raleigh for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. consulting 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's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is pretty good - 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 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. Limited entertainment options. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
29 upvotes
Joshua Robinson
My experience has been mostly positive. I'm still on the fence after all this time. The only thing I'd watch out for is community vibe. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..
28 upvotes
Alice
nah I disagree
28 upvotes
Evelyn Cooper
We moved here with our family and it's been a really good experience overall. Schools in Midtown area are challenging. Kids love it here.
25 upvotes
atllocal2024
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Minneapolis about 14 years ago. The main reasons were school and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Four distinct seasons
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are affordable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
23 upvotes
Wesley Hall
I work in retail here and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market for my field is better than expected. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
19 upvotes
Caleb Cruz
I'm a sales manager and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is challenging and there's always something going on.
19 upvotes
Josiah Alvarez
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
18 upvotes
Gianna
I work in marketing here and it exceeded my expectations. The job market for my field is average. Good luck with whatever you decide..
13 upvotes
Liam G.
Used to live on the Pine Hills side, now on the Maple Ridge side. Completely different vibe. it's not perfect but it works for me.
12 upvotes
caroline_girl
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 27, moved here 3 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Pine Hills and Fairview, 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 decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The dating scene situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for young professionals. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
11 upvotes
Waylon
My experience has been mostly positive. it's exactly what I was looking for. The only thing I'd watch out for is weather. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..
11 upvotes
Stella F.
this is the way
8 upvotes
Abigail Phillips
Came here for school and stayed because I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor recreation is honestly underrated and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
6 upvotes
James O.
this is the way
6 upvotes
Dominic Clark
Saving this thread
5 upvotes
Theodore
big facts right here
3 upvotes
Serenity Castillo
as a local I can confirm
3 upvotes
Zoey Jones
The food scene here is surprisingly good. Tons of great sushi places. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
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