Hi all, My family moved here when I was a kid. Average temperature is around 75°F, so it's warm year-round. The median home value here is around $834,100, which is pretty steep. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Worth the trade-offs? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The suburbs are where most families end up. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much.
12 upvotes
15 Replies
Allison Ortiz
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is pet-friendliness. it exceeded my expectations. Worth doing your research before committing.
33 upvotes
Cameron Stewart
been saying this for years
30 upvotes
Claire Lee
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 15 years. Moved from Boston for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth about the same 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. real estate 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:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. 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 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Homeless population growing downtown. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
Aaliyah Garcia
I'm a social worker and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is better than expected and there's always something going on.
26 upvotes
Walter M.
I'm a marketing manager and I've found the quality of life is solid. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
21 upvotes
Lydia C.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Internet is average in most areas.
19 upvotes
oakland_gianna
My experience has been mostly positive. I have mixed feelings honestly. The only thing I'd watch out for is job market. Other than that, Hope this helps!.
15 upvotes
Avery G.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 8 years. Moved from San Francisco for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Springfield schools are better than expected. 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. Can feel isolated. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Dylan Young
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely pretty good and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (West) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Pittsburgh, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation 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.
12 upvotes
Emma Jimenez
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want community vibe, then yeah this place is great. But if cost of living matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
11 upvotes
happy_david33
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Atlanta and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in East. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in legal. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like seafood.
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