OK so I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Median household income is $49,082, which feels on the lower side for the area. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. What would you do?
0 upvotes
5 Replies
George P.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 8 years. Moved from Atlanta for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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 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. Winters are long and cold. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Carson Young
it depends on the neighborhood
27 upvotes
tucson_harper
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Dallas and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Old Town. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
24 upvotes
Liam A.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely improving and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Maple Ridge) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Limited public transit 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.
16 upvotes
Jonathan Lewis
I work in healthcare here and it's not perfect but it works for me. The job market for my field is pretty good. Definitely worth checking out..
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