Hey folks, I grew up here but left for a while. Poverty rate is 17.5%, which is higher than I expected. The median home value here is around $117,600, which is actually reasonable. It's a a small town city with about 2,584 people. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Am I wrong here? The city has invested a lot in new development. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The weather takes some getting used to. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
13 upvotes
3 Replies
Zoey Reyes
noted, appreciate it
32 upvotes
Ian Wood
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 Boston for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. 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 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. engineering 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 genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have state parks 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 surprisingly good. 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. Homeless population growing downtown. Limited entertainment options. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
Mateo Rivera
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Chicago about 11 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good internet infrastructure
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are manageable, gas is average.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. No regrets on my end..
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