Hi all, My partner and I are Poverty rate is 7.1%, which is pretty low. You can expect to pay around $1,467 for rent here. Median household income is $73,940, which feels about average for the area. Rent is about $1,467/month for a decent place. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The city has invested a lot in new development. The weather takes some getting used to. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
7 upvotes
10 Replies
Nevaeh Chavez
Bought a house here in 2017 and it exceeded my expectations. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
34 upvotes
Weston Perez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 6 years. Moved from Baltimore for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is decent - 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. South schools are improving. 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. Can feel isolated. Far from beaches/mountains. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
mason_native
Bought a house here in 2022 and the quality of life is solid. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
25 upvotes
Jayden Ross
Weather-wise, the summers are average and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
23 upvotes
Caroline Morgan
facts
20 upvotes
Joshua Clark
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cost of living. it exceeded my expectations. Worth doing your research before committing.
19 upvotes
Violet Anderson
nah I disagree
16 upvotes
Betty M.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want school system, then yeah this place is great. But if pet-friendliness matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
11 upvotes
Eva Lewis
The food scene here is better than expected. Tons of great Southern places. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
2 upvotes
Paisley King
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 Atlanta for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is average - we have beaches 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 hit or miss. 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. Road conditions need improvement. Dating scene is rough. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
All Countries
