Anyone else feel this way? My partner and I are Median household income is $70,992, which feels about average for the area. The median home value here is around $217,400, which is actually reasonable. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The weather takes some getting used to. Am I wrong here? Any help is appreciated. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
3 upvotes
6 Replies
Kai James
I work in healthcare here and it's not perfect but it works for me. The job market for my field is improving. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
38 upvotes
Autumn Chavez
Totally agree!
33 upvotes
Eli Roberts
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is community vibe. I love the pace of life here. Worth doing your research before committing.
19 upvotes
Asher R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 10 years. Moved from Denver for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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 solid. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Not very walkable outside downtown. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
13 upvotes
Brielle H.
Bought a house here in 2024 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
10 upvotes
Ariana Reyes
My experience has been mostly positive. it's improved dramatically in recent years. The only thing I'd watch out for is job market. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
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