Curious what people think. Median household income is $94,844, which feels pretty solid for the area. Homes are going for about $969,900 on average. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Thoughts? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The city has invested a lot in new development. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Property taxes are high but you get good services. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
5 upvotes
12 Replies
Adrian Lee
Hot take but I genuinely enjoy living here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 4 years here, that's my honest assessment.
37 upvotes
Aaliyah Sanchez
I'm a physical therapist and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is underrated and there's always something going on.
35 upvotes
Adam Jones
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 5 years. Moved from Phoenix for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2019 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. government 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:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is solid - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are pretty 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Limited entertainment options. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
29 upvotes
Asher Mendoza
honestly same experience here
27 upvotes
Waylon Turner
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
22 upvotes
Jason M.
Bought a house here in 2018 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
22 upvotes
Kennedy Anderson
I've been living here for 15 years and I'd say I have mixed feelings honestly. The nightlife is improving compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
17 upvotes
David Long
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
13 upvotes
Cooper Sanchez
not my experience at all
11 upvotes
Elijah Cruz
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 6 years. Moved from Portland for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. 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 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is underrated - 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. Westside 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. Property taxes are high. Far from beaches/mountains. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
9 upvotes
Isaac R.
bump
7 upvotes
Isaiah White
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 2 years. Moved from Chicago for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have ski resorts 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Far from beaches/mountains. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, 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.
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