Alright, I relocated for work and The median home value here is around $736,900, which is pretty steep. Homes are going for about $736,900 on average. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Thoughts?
9 upvotes
15 Replies
Everly C.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is food scene. the quality of life is solid. Worth doing your research before committing.
39 upvotes
Piper R.
The food scene here is surprisingly good. Tons of great Thai places. it was the best decision I ever made.
38 upvotes
Mackenzie Diaz
good to know, thanks
38 upvotes
Everett Patel
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 12 years. Moved from Phoenix for weather. 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 up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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 pretty 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Property taxes are high. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Nora Jones
it depends on the neighborhood
34 upvotes
Matthew Rogers
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Charlotte about 5 years ago. The main reasons were family and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Affordable housing options
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are reasonable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Happy to answer more specific questions..
34 upvotes
Eleanor Cook
been saying this for years
30 upvotes
Eleanor M.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 3 years. Moved from Phoenix for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2019 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. 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 exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Fairview 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Bugs and humidity in summer. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
Amanda T.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Pine Hills for 8 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2016 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is solid - 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. Pine Hills 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. Homeless population growing downtown. Bugs and humidity in summer. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
Kai Myers
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
26 upvotes
Robert M.
I've lived in Westside for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Lots of new development happening
- Good internet infrastructure
- The weather scene is solid
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for retirees. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
18 upvotes
Nathan Baker
I'm a electrician and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is average and there's always something going on.
15 upvotes
Roger H.
As someone who grew up here, I love the pace of life here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. walkability used to be much manageable but now it's challenging.
11 upvotes
Emmett Mitchell
been saying this for years
7 upvotes
Jordan A.
Weather-wise, the summers are excellent and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
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