Random thought, We have two kids and The median home value here is around $439,100, which is pretty steep. The unemployment rate is 2.2%, which is pretty low. With a population of 10,618, Yelm is a small town. Homes are going for about $439,100 on average. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Anyone in a similar situation? The suburbs are where most families end up. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The weather takes some getting used to. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The weather takes some getting used to. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The food scene here is surprisingly good. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The city has invested a lot in new development.
12 upvotes
7 Replies
Elena Foster
thanks for sharing
40 upvotes
Everly M.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 2 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
39 upvotes
Isabelle Walker
good to know, thanks
32 upvotes
Jameson Clark
I've lived in Lakewood for about 12 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 San Francisco, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Close to major attractions
- The pet-friendliness scene is solid
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
23 upvotes
Eleanor M.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it's exactly what I was looking for. Compared to Miami it's solid.
23 upvotes
Landon A.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Chicago and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Downtown. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
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