OK so I've been here for 7 years and It's a a small town city with about 12,388 people. Poverty rate is 23.0%, which is higher than I expected. The unemployment rate is 4.4%, which is about average. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
6 upvotes
5 Replies
Lucy R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 6 years. Moved from Raleigh for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. hospitality 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:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is decent - 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 average. 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. Can feel isolated. Homeless population growing downtown. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Marie T.
My experience has been mostly positive. it exceeded my expectations. The only thing I'd watch out for is pet-friendliness. Other than that, It's not for everyone but it works for us..
32 upvotes
Santiago Martin
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 57, moved here 14 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Pine Hills and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The public transit situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for remote workers. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 San Francisco, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $80K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
22 upvotes
Charles N.
I've lived in East for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Four distinct seasons
- The nightlife scene is tough
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
19 upvotes
Leonardo Kelly
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Houston about 9 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Strong job market in several industries
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are affordable, gas is average.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
All Countries
