OK so We're a young couple and Poverty rate is 12.4%, which is around average. Median household income is $64,657, which feels about average for the area. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Am I wrong here?
12 upvotes
6 Replies
Adrian Turner
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 11 years. Moved from Austin for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
real estate 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 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. Lakewood schools are solid. 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. Nightlife is limited. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Julian Phillips
exactly what I was thinking
31 upvotes
Elizabeth Torres
been saying this for years
23 upvotes
Valentina Flores
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Houston about 4 years ago. The main reasons were school and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Four distinct seasons
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are growing, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Definitely worth checking out..
14 upvotes
Mackenzie H.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want safety, then yeah this place is great. But if housing market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
9 upvotes
Jeremiah Brown
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Tampa and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Springfield. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in engineering. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Korean.
All Countries
