Not sure if this has been asked before, but We have two kids and Rent is about $2,902/month for a decent place. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. What are your go-to spots? The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
13 upvotes
9 Replies
Aubrey Adams
I work in finance here and it's exactly what I was looking for. The job market for my field is average. Good luck with whatever you decide..
27 upvotes
Hailey Gray
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Charlotte about 11 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are established, gas is better than expected.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Feel free to reach out with questions..
26 upvotes
Madelyn Wood
preach
25 upvotes
Ellie Jackson
+1
21 upvotes
Jayden Davis
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from LA about 6 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are competitive, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Hope this helps!.
17 upvotes
Amelia Thomas
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 Charlotte for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
manufacturing 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 wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have mountains 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 better than expected. 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 a lot of cultural diversity. Chain restaurants dominate. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
14 upvotes
Sarah
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Denver and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in The Heights. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in construction. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
3 upvotes
Claire
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely decent and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Uptown) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
3 upvotes
Mary M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 29, moved here 12 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Riverside and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The job market situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for couples. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 San Diego, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $60K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
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