So, I'm retired and Rent is about $1,174/month for a decent place. Homes are going for about $231,100 on average. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
21 upvotes
26 Replies
Madelyn Richardson
I've lived in Lakewood for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Lots of new development happening
- The food scene scene is decent
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Rising rent and home prices
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for remote workers. Hope this helps!.
40 upvotes
Savannah Garcia
wish I knew this sooner
39 upvotes
Alexa Price
following this thread
39 upvotes
Nora Robinson
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because it's been a really good experience overall. The school system is honestly tough and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
38 upvotes
Eleanor Cooper
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
37 upvotes
Vivian Wilson
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want public transit, then yeah this place is great. But if community vibe matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
36 upvotes
Ellie
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Austin about 15 years ago. The main reasons were weather and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are wild, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
34 upvotes
Evan
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 15 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
32 upvotes
Sophie White
great question, following
31 upvotes
Adrian Y.
preach
30 upvotes
Dominic Kelly
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 43, moved here 15 years ago from New York. I've lived in The Heights and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The job market situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for singles. solid vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 New York, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
29 upvotes
Luke Edwards
This.
29 upvotes
Eva Peterson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Tampa about 15 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Strong job market in several industries
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are established, gas is tough.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Feel free to reach out with questions..
28 upvotes
Lily Miller
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Tampa about 8 years ago. The main reasons were work and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Strong job market in several industries
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are affordable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
26 upvotes
Jacob M.
I've lived in Lakewood for about 1 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 Baltimore, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Lots of new development happening
- The nightlife scene is average
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for young professionals. Definitely worth checking out..
26 upvotes
Ruth M.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 14 years. Moved from Miami for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Uptown schools are underrated. 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. Winters are long and cold. Property taxes are high. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
Madelyn Cook
Public transit is solid here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it was the best decision I ever made.
22 upvotes
Nolan Ramos
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cost of living, then yeah this place is great. But if healthcare matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
21 upvotes
Andrew
The food scene here is average. Tons of great Thai places. it exceeded my expectations.
20 upvotes
Roman Jones
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Charlotte about 7 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Four distinct seasons
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are growing, gas is pretty good.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
18 upvotes
Arianna Thompson
Used to live on the Oak Park side, now on the Cedar Grove side. Completely different vibe. I genuinely enjoy living here.
12 upvotes
Sadie Torres
this is the way
12 upvotes
Ellie Martin
seconding this
8 upvotes
Ava R.
Public transit is solid here. You'll probably need a car for most things. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
7 upvotes
Declan A.
This.
3 upvotes
Sophie Stewart
I've lived in Maple Ridge for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Affordable housing options
- Diverse dining options
- The healthcare scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Rising rent and home prices
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Definitely worth checking out..
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