So, I'm single, late 30s, and Median household income is $91,933, which feels pretty solid for the area. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to. The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
20 upvotes
19 Replies
Brielle Thompson
Hot take but I genuinely enjoy living here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
40 upvotes
wild_melanie97
interesting, hadn't considered that
39 upvotes
Aaliyah G.
accurate
39 upvotes
dallas_lucy
Weather-wise, the summers are tough and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.
38 upvotes
Rylee Ruiz
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Internet is improving in most areas.
38 upvotes
Amelia Brooks
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 3 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
34 upvotes
Caroline Jackson
Can confirm, been here 11 years.
31 upvotes
Landon Scott
not my experience at all
30 upvotes
Hailey B.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 9 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Midtown side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
23 upvotes
Ezekiel Lopez
Saving this thread
22 upvotes
Leo R.
I've lived in Lakewood for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The walkability scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for young professionals. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
21 upvotes
jaxmama2026
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
18 upvotes
Robert Allen
yeah no that's not right
18 upvotes
Maya Robinson
yep
15 upvotes
Isabelle Green
I work in real estate here and the quality of life is solid. The job market for my field is tough. Happy to answer more specific questions..
12 upvotes
Sebastian Reed
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely better than expected and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (West) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Miami, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
12 upvotes
fresno_autumn
Came here for quality of life and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The housing market is honestly tough and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
9 upvotes
chill_wyatt53
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I have mixed feelings honestly. Internet is average in most areas.
8 upvotes
Piper
I'm a software engineer and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. The community is underrated and there's always something going on.
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