We have two kids and It's a a small town city with about 7,896 people. The unemployment rate is 2.2%, which is pretty low. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Am I overthinking this? Appreciate any input. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
13 upvotes
8 Replies
Luna Long
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely better than expected and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (East) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
39 upvotes
Zoe Carter
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 3 years. Moved from Atlanta for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty 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 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. legal 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:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have biking 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 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. Road conditions need improvement. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Levi C.
Moved here from Austin about 12 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to healthcare but No regrets on my end..
36 upvotes
Thomas Long
The food scene here is tough. Tons of great Korean places. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
30 upvotes
Madeline Rogers
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
16 upvotes
isla_kid
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Hope this helps!.
16 upvotes
Jonathan
I've lived in Maple Ridge for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Strong job market in several industries
- The traffic scene is tough
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. Definitely worth checking out..
4 upvotes
Abigail Williams
I've lived in East 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 Pittsburgh, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good internet infrastructure
- The dating scene scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. No regrets on my end..
All Countries
