OK so It's a a mid-size city city with about 143K people. Household incomes average around $100,985 in Thornton. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Anyone in a similar situation? The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
8 upvotes
7 Replies
Asher Smith
big facts right here
38 upvotes
Sebastian Gray
I work in legal here and it's been a really good experience overall. The job market for my field is decent. Good luck with whatever you decide..
38 upvotes
William M.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 12 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Midtown side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
31 upvotes
Easton
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 35, moved here 5 years ago from Houston. I've lived in East and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Limited shopping options
3. The walkability situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for families. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 Houston, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$100K 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.
25 upvotes
Hannah Gutierrez
Totally agree!
16 upvotes
Olivia Allen
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's not perfect but it works for me. Internet is decent in most areas.
12 upvotes
Katherine Smith
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 11 years. Moved from Atlanta for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is decent - we have mountains 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 challenging. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Far from beaches/mountains. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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