Alright, It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. Should I be concerned?
48 upvotes
4 Replies
Gianna Kim
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 7 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is job market. 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 rock climbing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
30 upvotes
Ezra R.
As someone who grew up here, I love the pace of life here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. outdoor recreation used to be much growing but now it's excellent.
19 upvotes
Brooks T.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 14 years. Moved from Baltimore for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2017 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. consulting 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:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is average - we have beaches 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. Winters are long and cold. Bugs and humidity in summer. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
15 upvotes
Katherine Young
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely tough and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (North) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
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.