Not sure if this has been asked before, but It's a a smaller city city with about 55,201 people. Rent is about $1,823/month for a decent place. Homes are going for about $641,700 on average. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The weather takes some getting used to. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The city has invested a lot in new development.
3 upvotes
26 Replies
Mason Patel
We moved here with our family and it was the best decision I ever made. Schools in Riverside area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
40 upvotes
Nova
literally same
40 upvotes
raleighliving2026
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
36 upvotes
stl_brooks
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I love the pace of life here.
36 upvotes
Cora
Can confirm, been here 6 years.
36 upvotes
Nevaeh Hernandez
I'm a project manager and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The community is decent and there's always something going on.
29 upvotes
Sadie
hard disagree but ok
28 upvotes
Paisley Jimenez
I've lived in Lakewood for about 14 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 Tampa, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Lots of new development happening
- Close to major attractions
- The job market scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
28 upvotes
reagan_vibes
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want nightlife, then yeah this place is great. But if food scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
25 upvotes
Cameron
following this thread
25 upvotes
Miles Phillips
following this thread
21 upvotes
Axel Smith
I work in healthcare here and I have mixed feelings honestly. The job market for my field is challenging. No regrets on my end..
20 upvotes
Aubrey Martin
Public transit is improving here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it was the best decision I ever made.
20 upvotes
Alexa M.
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
19 upvotes
Jace F.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 2 years. Moved from Austin for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2020 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:**
construction is strong here. finance 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's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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 underrated. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Limited entertainment options. And housing market 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.
16 upvotes
Isabella Hill
+1
15 upvotes
Bennett
it depends on the neighborhood
13 upvotes
Skylar Flores
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's exactly what I was looking for. Definitely worth checking out..
12 upvotes
Genesis Ortiz
bump
10 upvotes
Brielle Murphy
I work in retail here and I genuinely enjoy living here. The job market for my field is better than expected. Happy to answer more specific questions..
10 upvotes
Anna Brown
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 3 years. Moved from Seattle for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. real estate 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:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is solid - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North 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. Dating scene is rough. Far from beaches/mountains. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
8 upvotes
Emma Jimenez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely improving and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. weather 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.
4 upvotes
Anthony O.
As someone who grew up here, I have mixed feelings honestly. A lot has changed in the past few years though. dating scene used to be much wild but now it's underrated.
4 upvotes
Ella J.
Bought a house here in 2017 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
3 upvotes
Jack Hall
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's not perfect but it works for me.
1 upvotes
brooklyn_rider
Hot take but I'm still on the fence after all this time. I know a lot of people disagree but after 12 years here, that's my honest assessment.
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