My partner and I are Average temperature is around 58--F, so the weather is moderate. Homes are going for about $325,700 on average. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Should I be concerned? TIA! Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
9 upvotes
4 Replies
Sarah Moore
Bought a house here in 2023 and it's not perfect but it works for me. Property values have gone about the same since then.
23 upvotes
Claire Gomez
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 Portland for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. engineering 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:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is tough - we have rivers 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 pretty 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Limited entertainment options. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
Sarah Watson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Phoenix and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Cedar Grove. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in government. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
17 upvotes
Hailey M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 24, moved here 7 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Downtown and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Strong job market in several industries
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. Winters are long and cold
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The community vibe situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for couples. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Baltimore, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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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