Alright, I'm retired and The unemployment rate is 2.9%, which is pretty low. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
0 upvotes
6 Replies
Matthew P.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 13 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
36 upvotes
Violet Kelly
interesting, hadn't considered that
29 upvotes
Mackenzie Ruiz
accurate
27 upvotes
Landon Hernandez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 3 years. Moved from Seattle for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2020 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is improving - we have biking trails 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 challenging. 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. Can feel isolated. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
Elijah R.
I've lived in Greenfield for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The weather scene is average
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Good luck with whatever you decide..
18 upvotes
Lydia James
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely hit or miss and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
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