Alright, The median home value here is around $265,200, which seems about average. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. What would you do? Property taxes are high but you get good services. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
27 upvotes
5 Replies
Anna Rogers
I've lived in Lakewood for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from New York, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Lots of new development happening
- The outdoor recreation scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for couples. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
36 upvotes
Everett Sanders
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 13 years. Moved from Portland for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. government 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 exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - 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. East schools are underrated. 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 couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
Naomi Robinson
I'm a accountant and I've found the quality of life is solid. The community is challenging and there's always something going on.
22 upvotes
Claire Kelly
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 3 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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