Alright, Median household income is $59,691, which feels about average for the area.
2 upvotes
13 Replies
Amelia Peterson
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cultural scene, then yeah this place is great. But if dating scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
40 upvotes
Gloria C.
lol so true
33 upvotes
Oliver Peterson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 9 years. Moved from Austin for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2018 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is tough - 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. Lakewood 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. Road conditions need improvement. Limited entertainment options. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
Brooks Scott
The food scene here is solid. Tons of great Southern places. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
25 upvotes
Oliver Watson
following this thread
25 upvotes
Ryan Mendoza
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is nightlife. it's exactly what I was looking for. Worth doing your research before committing.
23 upvotes
Mateo C.
following this thread
16 upvotes
Elizabeth G.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 12 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
16 upvotes
dallas_declan
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cultural scene. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Worth doing your research before committing.
15 upvotes
William Cox
Came here for family and stayed because I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The walkability is honestly underrated and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
10 upvotes
Caleb Perez
glad someone said it
1 upvotes
Thomas
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 8 years ago. The main reasons were weather and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good healthcare facilities
- Decent public transit for the size
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are stable, gas is excellent.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Feel free to reach out with questions..
1 upvotes
Sadie Phillips
I've lived in Maple Ridge for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Active local events and festivals
- The public transit scene is decent
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Happy to answer more specific questions..