Hey, Rent is about $1,154/month for a decent place. Poverty rate is 6.1%, which is pretty low. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Has anyone dealt with this?
9 upvotes
6 Replies
Ellie
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely solid and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (East) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
36 upvotes
Isaiah G.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Phoenix and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Oak Park. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in real estate. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
33 upvotes
Abigail
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 5 years. Moved from Tampa for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2016 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:**
hospitality is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is average - 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. West schools are solid. 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. Road conditions need improvement. Dating scene is rough. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
8 upvotes
Adeline Ruiz
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in Old Town area are solid. Kids love it here.
5 upvotes
Addison Foster
I've lived in Lakewood for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Active local events and festivals
- The walkability scene is improving
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. Happy to answer more specific questions..
4 upvotes
Valentina Martin
Bought a house here in 2022 and it's not perfect but it works for me. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
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