Hello, Average temperature is around 65--F, so the weather is moderate. You can expect to pay around $1,821 for rent here. It's a a small town city with about 13,454 people. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
Pros:
- Great weather
- Lots of new development
- Good airport connections
Cons:
- Limited nightlife
- Sprawl everywhere
- Few job opportunities in some fields
- Mosquitoes and humidity
What would you do? The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The city has invested a lot in new development.
13 upvotes
11 Replies
Robert Wilson
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is food scene. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Worth doing your research before committing.
38 upvotes
Julian E.
this is the way
29 upvotes
Jayden J.
Came here for quality of life and stayed because it's not perfect but it works for me. The traffic is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
26 upvotes
Amelia W.
literally same
25 upvotes
Nova Lee
I work in consulting here and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The job market for my field is surprisingly good. Hope this helps!.
19 upvotes
Robert Allen
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 13 years. Moved from Raleigh for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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:**
healthcare is strong here. finance 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 improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is improving - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside schools are tough. 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. Limited entertainment options. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
Daniel Myers
My experience has been mostly positive. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The only thing I'd watch out for is dating scene. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
16 upvotes
Aaron Clark
Used to live on the Highland side, now on the Midtown side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
9 upvotes
Aubrey
preach
8 upvotes
Emma Lewis
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 weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. education 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 was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have desert landscapes 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 excellent. 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. Property taxes are high. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
4 upvotes
Robert Ward
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is pet-friendliness. it's exactly what I was looking for. Worth doing your research before committing.
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