Random thought, Poverty rate is 6.5%, which is pretty low. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Would love some local perspective. The suburbs are where most families end up.
5 upvotes
15 Replies
Jameson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Dallas and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Midtown. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in real estate. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
40 upvotes
Adeline Cook
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Austin about 13 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Four distinct seasons
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are affordable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Feel free to reach out with questions..
35 upvotes
bella_runner
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 8 years. Moved from Miami for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have desert landscapes 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. Limited public transit options. Chain restaurants dominate. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
29 upvotes
Xavier
100%
27 upvotes
Deborah W.
I work in retail here and I genuinely enjoy living here. The job market for my field is improving. Feel free to reach out with questions..
25 upvotes
maya_fan
good to know, thanks
23 upvotes
Dominic Gomez
hmm interesting perspective
21 upvotes
Bella
As someone who grew up here, the quality of life is solid. A lot has changed in the past few years though. public transit used to be much established but now it's average.
21 upvotes
Owen Phillips
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 2 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into running, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
19 upvotes
Jose Diaz
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Atlanta about 2 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Strong job market in several industries
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are developing, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
17 upvotes
Adeline Wood
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 9 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
9 upvotes
Leonardo Torres
yep
7 upvotes
Jose W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 46, moved here 4 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in East and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Low crime in most neighborhoods
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The nightlife situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for families. underrated vibes, walkable.
- South: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Chicago, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
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