Not sure if this has been asked before, but We're a young couple and The unemployment rate is 3.2%, which is pretty low. Rent is about $1,445/month for a decent place. It's a a mid-size city city with about 138K people. Crime rate is something to consider — West Valley City sits at 699.4 per 100K. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
9 upvotes
2 Replies
Emmett Cox
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 9 years. Moved from Minneapolis for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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 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. Limited shopping options. Limited entertainment options. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
13 upvotes
Philip M.
I've been living here for 5 years and I'd say it's improved dramatically in recent years. The traffic is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
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