OK so Born and raised here. The unemployment rate is 0.5%, which is pretty low. Homes are going for about $197,600 on average. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Am I wrong here? Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
14 upvotes
11 Replies
Camila Wilson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 37, moved here 8 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Cedar Grove and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The housing market situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for singles. pretty good 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 excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $50K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
39 upvotes
Matthew
I've lived in Sunset for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The healthcare scene is decent
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
38 upvotes
oakland_nolan
Used to live on the Midtown side, now on the West side. Completely different vibe. it was the best decision I ever made.
25 upvotes
Robert Taylor
As someone who grew up here, it's been a really good experience overall. A lot has changed in the past few years though. public transit used to be much competitive but now it's pretty good.
24 upvotes
Rylee Castillo
Bought a house here in 2016 and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
18 upvotes
Connor Rivera
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Seattle about 11 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Active local events and festivals
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Summers can be brutally hot
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are wild, gas is underrated.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
15 upvotes
Gabriella Collins
I've been living here for 3 years and I'd say I have mixed feelings honestly. The food scene is better than expected compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
13 upvotes
Katherine Morales
Weather-wise, the summers are tough and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
10 upvotes
sddude2020
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 5 years. Moved from Boston for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2020 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have national forests 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 challenging. 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. Road conditions need improvement. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
7 upvotes
Leo Clark
this is the way
0 upvotes
Victoria Bailey
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I have mixed feelings honestly. Internet is surprisingly good in most areas.
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