Not sure if this has been asked before, but The unemployment rate is 4.4%, which is about average. What would you do? Any help is appreciated.
3 upvotes
6 Replies
maverick_mama
I've lived in Highland for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good internet infrastructure
- The public transit scene is average
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. Definitely worth checking out..
31 upvotes
Avery Wright
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 5 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is solid - 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 better than expected. 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. Can feel isolated. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
Ezekiel C.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Dallas and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in The Heights. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
30 upvotes
Adam Moore
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 9 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Midtown side vs the Greenfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
28 upvotes
nola_abigail
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely better than expected and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Riverside) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Miami, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
21 upvotes
eva_native
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Chicago about 5 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Lots of new development happening
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are manageable, gas is solid.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Hope this helps!.
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