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Carter Thompson
best-worst
What Waltham does better than anywhere else
Longtime lurker here, The unemployment rate is 2.5%, which is pretty low. Does this match your experience?
13 upvotes
13 Replies
Jonathan B.
I work in legal here and it was the best decision I ever made. The job market for my field is improving. Happy to answer more specific questions..
40 upvotes
David S.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Internet is pretty good in most areas.
37 upvotes
Valentina R.
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.
29 upvotes
Amber H.
following this thread
21 upvotes
Brittany N.
great question, following
20 upvotes
Brooks W.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 2 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
I've been here 2 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
20 upvotes
Jackson Wilson
+1
18 upvotes
Everly Phillips
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 40, moved here 9 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Pine Hills and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The outdoor recreation situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for retirees. solid vibes, walkable.
- North: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Portland, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $60K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
Background: I'm a accountant, 40, moved here 9 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Pine Hills and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The outdoor recreation situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for retirees. solid vibes, walkable.
- North: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Portland, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $60K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
14 upvotes
Isabella T.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 10 years. Moved from Boston for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. tech 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 improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is average - we have beaches 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 average. 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. Property taxes are high. Can feel isolated. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Lakewood for 10 years. Moved from Boston for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. tech 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 improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is average - we have beaches 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 average. 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. Property taxes are high. Can feel isolated. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
13 upvotes
Owen Gomez
I've been living here for 2 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The cultural scene is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
10 upvotes
Kinsley Green
seconding this
5 upvotes
Cora W.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Dallas and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Maple Ridge. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Maple Ridge. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
3 upvotes
Ruby Carter
Moved here from Baltimore about 8 years ago. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Still getting used to cost of living but No regrets on my end..
1 upvotes