Hello, Homes are going for about $692,600 on average. The suburbs are where most families end up. The city has invested a lot in new development. Has anyone dealt with this? The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
17 upvotes
12 Replies
Kennedy G.
exactly what I was thinking
40 upvotes
Madeline Wood
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 13 years. Moved from Charlotte for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have national forests 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. Rising rent and home prices. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
Violet R.
spot on
32 upvotes
Charlotte Walker
seconding this
31 upvotes
Daniel Wood
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from New York and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Midtown. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in education. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
31 upvotes
Genesis Flores
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Internet is better than expected in most areas.
30 upvotes
Oliver Phillips
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in The Heights for 3 years. Moved from Boston for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. marketing 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:**
I love the pace of life here. 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. The Heights schools are decent. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Homeless population growing downtown. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
Jayden C.
I'm a sales manager and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community is decent and there's always something going on.
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