Been meaning to ask this. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. What do you all think? Thanks!
13 upvotes
20 Replies
Piper W.
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's not perfect but it works for me.
40 upvotes
Carson Sanchez
good to know, thanks
38 upvotes
Violet Turner
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want public transit, then yeah this place is great. But if public transit matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
38 upvotes
Autumn Harris
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 quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. finance 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'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have national forests 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 pretty 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. Limited public transit options. Limited shopping options. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Hazel Castillo
yeah no that's not right
34 upvotes
Anna Ramirez
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. the quality of life is solid. Compared to Boston it's solid.
30 upvotes
Samuel R.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I'm still on the fence after all this time. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
26 upvotes
Paisley R.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 15 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
25 upvotes
Avery C.
not my experience at all
24 upvotes
Nora C.
spot on
23 upvotes
Josiah Hill
I've lived in North for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Strong job market in several industries
- The job market scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
23 upvotes
miamirunner2022
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from San Francisco about 14 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Lots of new development happening
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are developing, gas is better than expected.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
22 upvotes
Alice White
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
19 upvotes
Evan Edwards
Moved here last year, no regrets.
10 upvotes
Roman Hill
couldn't agree more
9 upvotes
Grayson Taylor
Saving this thread
9 upvotes
Sarah M.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely improving and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
7 upvotes
Brooklyn Kelly
I work in engineering here and I genuinely enjoy living here. The job market for my field is excellent. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
5 upvotes
Ruby
I work in marketing here and I have mixed feelings honestly. The job market for my field is improving. No regrets on my end..