It's a a small town city with about 17,563 people. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The city has invested a lot in new development. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
1 upvotes
7 Replies
Nevaeh Stewart
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Baltimore about 6 years ago. The main reasons were weather and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Active local events and festivals
- Diverse dining options
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Dating scene is rough
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are reasonable, gas is tough.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. No regrets on my end..
33 upvotes
Sophie Anderson
underrated comment
26 upvotes
charlotte_kid
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
23 upvotes
Hazel Sanchez
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is traffic. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Worth doing your research before committing.
19 upvotes
Daniel S.
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 Raleigh for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. 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 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - 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 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. Rising rent and home prices. Limited entertainment options. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
19 upvotes
Aiden
I've been living here for 6 years and I'd say the quality of life is solid. The job market is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
15 upvotes
Violet Mendoza
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 1 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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