My partner and I are It's a a smaller city city with about 76,074 people. Crime rate is something to consider -Scranton sits at 1,550.6 per 100K. Median household income is $49,531, which feels on the lower side for the area. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The weather takes some getting used to. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The suburbs are where most families end up.
11 upvotes
14 Replies
tulsalover2022
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
37 upvotes
Jackson Wilson
100%
36 upvotes
Amelia S.
it depends on the neighborhood
34 upvotes
Angel Wilson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 12 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is tough - we have hiking trails 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. Urban sprawl is real. Limited high-paying job options. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
Daniel James
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 3 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
26 upvotes
Madelyn Alvarez
seconding this
20 upvotes
Ralph T.
big facts right here
14 upvotes
Alexander
hmm interesting perspective
14 upvotes
Quinn Harris
My experience has been mostly positive. I love the pace of life here. The only thing I'd watch out for is nightlife. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
8 upvotes
Charlotte Miller
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 12 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
8 upvotes
ian_lover
interesting, hadn't considered that
4 upvotes
David M.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's exactly what I was looking for. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
4 upvotes
Isla Flores
facts
3 upvotes
Dylan Anderson
The food scene here is decent. Tons of great Asian places. I have mixed feelings honestly.
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