OK so Average temperature is around 54--F, so expect cold winters. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. What would you do?
3 upvotes
16 Replies
Daniel S.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Compared to Baltimore it's challenging.
39 upvotes
Julian B.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 4 years. Moved from Minneapolis for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2016 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have ski resorts 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. Winters are long and cold. Nightlife is limited. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
Allison Morgan
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Internet is improving in most areas.
29 upvotes
Willie R.
I've lived in Maple Ridge for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Affordable housing options
- The walkability scene is tough
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
28 upvotes
matthew_lover
hard disagree but ok
22 upvotes
David Allen
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want walkability, then yeah this place is great. But if school system matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
19 upvotes
Savannah B.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 14 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
16 upvotes
Rylee
I've lived in West for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Lots of new development happening
- The school system scene is improving
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Urban sprawl is real
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for retirees. Definitely worth checking out..
16 upvotes
Emma Thompson
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in Downtown area are decent. Kids love it here.
15 upvotes
Delilah Alvarez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely solid and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Westside) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
9 upvotes
Ava Baker
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 2 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into running, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
9 upvotes
Samuel Gonzalez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Minneapolis about 12 years ago. The main reasons were family and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Decent public transit for the size
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are competitive, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. No regrets on my end..
9 upvotes
Emilia G.
Bought a house here in 2018 and I love the pace of life here. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
8 upvotes
Dylan R.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 12 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
6 upvotes
Russell C.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Boston about 13 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are reasonable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
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