Hey folks, I'm single, late 40s, and Median household income is $87,880, which feels pretty solid for the area. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Anyone in a similar situation? Thanks in advance! Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The suburbs are where most families end up.
14 upvotes
9 Replies
Joseph Gray
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Nashville and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Lakewood. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in education. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
33 upvotes
nyclover2023
glad someone said it
26 upvotes
Jace Stewart
Used to live on the North side, now on the Sunset side. Completely different vibe. it's not perfect but it works for me.
25 upvotes
Eleanor Clark
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 11 years here, that's my honest assessment.
19 upvotes
Mia H.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 7 years. Moved from Chicago for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have lakes 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 hit or miss. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
14 upvotes
John Nelson
wish I knew this sooner
10 upvotes
Beverly W.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Oak Park for 10 years. Moved from Minneapolis for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. 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 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is improving - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Oak Park schools are hit or miss. 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 a lot of cultural diversity. Chain restaurants dominate. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
9 upvotes
Wayne W.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Tampa 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 Sunset. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like sushi.
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