Random thought, Just moved here 14 months ago and Poverty rate is 10.5%, which is around average. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Let me know your thoughts. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
5 upvotes
15 Replies
Peyton Green
Can confirm, been here 8 years.
38 upvotes
Sharon W.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Baltimore about 14 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Affordable housing options
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are stable, gas is excellent.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Good luck with whatever you decide..
34 upvotes
Jordan K.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I genuinely enjoy living here. Internet is surprisingly good in most areas.
32 upvotes
Joshua
Used to live on the Meadowbrook side, now on the Westside side. Completely different vibe. it's not perfect but it works for me.
29 upvotes
James Lee
big facts right here
26 upvotes
mountain_lucas33
Moved here from Boston about 8 years ago. it exceeded my expectations. Still getting used to safety but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
26 upvotes
Jose Taylor
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Tampa about 12 years ago. The main reasons were weather and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good schools in most areas
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are established, gas is decent.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
23 upvotes
Ezekiel C.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
13 upvotes
Quinn Foster
As someone who grew up here, I genuinely enjoy living here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. food scene used to be much manageable but now it's surprisingly good.
11 upvotes
Robert Robinson
We moved here with our family and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Schools in Eastside area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
10 upvotes
Michael S.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 52, moved here 10 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Highland and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The outdoor recreation situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for couples. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Nashville, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $60K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
8 upvotes
Jessica R.
I've lived in South for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Lots of new development happening
- The safety scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. Good luck with whatever you decide..
5 upvotes
Cora
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 24, moved here 10 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Nice parks and green spaces
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The dating scene situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for remote workers. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $40K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
2 upvotes
Willow J.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 14 years. Moved from Boston for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth down slightly 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:**
retail is strong here. real estate 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:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is improving - we have hiking 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 tough. 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 high-paying job options. Homeless population growing downtown. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
1 upvotes
Easton Campbell
Bought a house here in 2022 and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Property values have gone about the same since then.
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