Hey, Rent is about $1,092/month for a decent place. The unemployment rate is 2.8%, which is pretty low. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. What do you all think? Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The weather takes some getting used to. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
3 upvotes
7 Replies
Ava Cruz
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want pet-friendliness, then yeah this place is great. But if safety matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
40 upvotes
boston_serenity
I've lived in Lakewood for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- The school system scene is solid
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for young professionals. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
39 upvotes
Luca Phillips
Moved here from New York about 1 years ago. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Still getting used to outdoor recreation but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
30 upvotes
Nicholas James
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Raleigh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Eastside. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in finance. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
18 upvotes
Xavier Watson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Dallas about 14 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Decent public transit for the size
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are affordable, gas is average.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Happy to answer more specific questions..
15 upvotes
Grayson Thomas
I've lived in Midtown for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Close to major attractions
- The weather scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
9 upvotes
Judith W.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 9 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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