I'm a 53-year-old software engineer and The median home value here is around $423,600, which is pretty steep. Average temperature is around 48--F, so expect cold winters. Median household income is $89,135, which feels pretty solid for the area. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Any advice would be great. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The suburbs are where most families end up. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
15 upvotes
8 Replies
Camila G.
same here
28 upvotes
Isaiah Chavez
Moved here from Dallas about 13 years ago. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Still getting used to outdoor recreation but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
27 upvotes
Kaylee Parker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 34, moved here 3 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in The Heights and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Close to major attractions
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The job market situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for retirees. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Dallas, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
19 upvotes
Reagan Reyes
nah I disagree
16 upvotes
Cora Jimenez
Moved here from Pittsburgh about 14 years ago. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Still getting used to pet-friendliness but Definitely worth checking out..
11 upvotes
Aurora
Moved here last year, no regrets.
10 upvotes
Audrey W.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 1 years. Moved from Miami for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - 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 surprisingly good. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Property taxes are high. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
7 upvotes
Sofia Cook
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Internet is pretty good in most areas.
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