Poverty rate is 13.0%, which is around average. The median home value here is around $107,900, which is actually reasonable. Household incomes average around $55,159 in Wellston. The unemployment rate is 1.3%, which is pretty low. Crime rate is something to consider -Wellston sits at 236.9 per 100K. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The city has invested a lot in new development. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Looking forward to hearing from you all. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The suburbs are where most families end up. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The suburbs are where most families end up. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The city has invested a lot in new development. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The weather takes some getting used to. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
11 upvotes
6 Replies
Joseph Edwards
I'm a nurse and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
34 upvotes
Ava F.
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 San Francisco for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is average - we have desert landscapes 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. Urban sprawl is real. Homeless population growing downtown. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
houston_willow
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
24 upvotes
Lucas M.
Came here for quality of life and stayed because it exceeded my expectations. The walkability is honestly better than expected and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
23 upvotes
Hudson Rogers
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely better than expected and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (South) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness 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.
19 upvotes
Ella P.
Moved here from Austin about 14 years ago. it's not perfect but it works for me. Still getting used to outdoor recreation but Happy to answer more specific questions..
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