Longtime lurker here, The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Anyone in a similar situation? Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
2 upvotes
5 Replies
Ezekiel Moore
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely average and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Old Town) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
34 upvotes
Austin B.
I've lived in Lakewood for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Salt Lake City, I was surprised by weather. 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 food scene scene is average
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited public transit options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. Happy to answer more specific questions..
32 upvotes
Emmett Alvarez
I've lived in Highland for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good schools in most areas
- The cost of living scene is improving
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for remote workers. Feel free to reach out with questions..
31 upvotes
Gabriel Cook
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 30, moved here 13 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in North and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Diverse dining options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The weather situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for retirees. improving vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 affordable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $40K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
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