Not sure if this has been asked before, but I relocated for work and You can expect to pay around $974 for rent here. The median home value here is around $134,100, which is actually reasonable. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Has anyone dealt with this?
9 upvotes
13 Replies
Ruby Garcia
Used to live on the Uptown side, now on the Maple Ridge side. Completely different vibe. it's exactly what I was looking for.
40 upvotes
Sean P.
I've lived in Lakewood for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The weather scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
38 upvotes
Kenneth P.
Hot take but I genuinely enjoy living here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 15 years here, that's my honest assessment.
36 upvotes
wild_sophie42
I've lived in Uptown for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. 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:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Active local events and festivals
- The school system scene is solid
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for retirees. Definitely worth checking out..
35 upvotes
sunny_kinsley91
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in Downtown area are excellent. Kids love it here.
26 upvotes
Caroline Collins
bump
23 upvotes
Everly Torres
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 27, moved here 1 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The safety situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for remote workers. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 San Diego, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
23 upvotes
Cameron King
The food scene here is average. Tons of great Italian places. it's been a really good experience overall.
23 upvotes
Daniel Sanders
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely tough and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Midtown) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Miami, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
16 upvotes
Mia R.
Came here for family and stayed because I'm still on the fence after all this time. The cost of living is honestly excellent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
14 upvotes
Leah
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 Phoenix for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2017 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
tech 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:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have biking trails 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 improving. 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. Nightlife is limited. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Elijah Williams
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because it's been a really good experience overall. The safety is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
4 upvotes
Ella G.
Moved here from San Diego about 8 years ago. I love the pace of life here. Still getting used to school system but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
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