QUESTION....why can't you split lanes on a motorcycle under 25 mph,you can every where else ???

Criminals know that in Lakewood if the police are called they WILL show up, and FAST.
One should feel much safer within Lakewood's boundaries. It's still smart to be alert and not alone.

Unfortunately, my home was broken into two years ago. I cannot say enough about how the Lakweood Police Department handled it. They were thorough, professional, and understanding. Though we did not get any of our balongings back, the person was caught in a matter of days. In a community the size of Lakewood, I do not think it is possible to completely eliminate crime. However, having a police force that is dedicated and professional certainly makes dealing with it much easier for those of us that have had to do so.

Rob sorry to hear that..... I am glad you posted this as I am looking to move from SF Ca to lakewood and it is good to hear this about the local police. Asa note I called them on the phone to discuss crime etc in LW and the police officer was sooooo nice and spent about 30 mins with me on the phone,something that is rare nowadays Right. Do you have any imput on my move,pros and cons Thanks Peter

Hi Peter,
First of all, good luck on you move. Pack a sweater. To your question, Pros-Lakewood is a great community, with enough density to keep most things within walking distance, good schools, and a relatively low cost of living, I am sure that you wil (or have been) pleasantly surprised at the amount of residence that you can afford here as opposed to SF. There are some foreclosures around, but the place is not riddled with them. Cons- the housing stock is pretty old, +/- 100 yrs, and many are in need of some type of upgrading, either aesthetic, structural, or energy efficiency wise, or all of the above. I'm sure others will chime in with more advice.

Rob
Thanks for the feed back. yes bring a jumper (sweeter) as we ozzies say. I know that but just can not afford the weather tax we pay in Nor cal SADLY. old home i like so I am happy with that. I hope it works out I am coming there this saturday to look around and see so wish me luck. Cheers mate PB

anyone one else want to give me pros and cons of lakewwod
PB

I have lived in Lakewood for over 20 years. Raised my kids here in Lakewood and when I went through a divorce I wanted to stay in Lakewood. What I could afford was in Birdtown. And sorry to say, I don't feel the least bit safe in that neighborhood. When I moved in I was surprised to find out how many drug houses are around in that area. And am still completely baffled by the fact that the neighborhood knows they are all there but the Police seem to be blind to the fact.

Tracey, sorry about the big D I am going thru that two, thus looking at moving to LW RU saying LW is a safe hood ? Thanks PB

Peter, saying pick your areas..do your research. Lakewood GREAT place to raise a family, lots to do, wonderful supportive community but just like anywhere else you are planning on moving. Know the neighborhood and your neighbors!

I have been in my home for 22 years and still feel very safe in Lakewood. There are some nice areas and most are within walking distance of elementary and middle schools. Even the High School is centrally located. It is a great place to raise a family. Yes the demographics have changed in those 22 years, but if you just use common sense and you will be fine. Don't put empty boxes from expensive electronics on the curb for trash day, don't keep stuff in your car out in the open overnight, keep first floor windows closed at night or when away, get to know your neighbors and above all keep your eyes open. The best defense against crime is watching over the neighborhood. If somebody looks like they are up to no good call the police. The average response time in Lakewood for an emergency call is a minute and a half.

Thanks guys for your feed back, i don't have a fam but the hood sounds great
Cheers PB

PS I may be the first Ozzie in the hood

It'll be good to have you, mate

I moved to the east side for an (ex!!) boyfriend and miss lkwd a lot! The diversity and open mindedness is great. Good, unique food. A lot of people walking everywhere. I do agree that a lot of the houses and apts are old and need to upgraded. I paid $100 electric bill in the winter in a Mathews ave apt. The Gold Coast is trendy and more upgraded. I felt comfortable walking down edge water and lake at night but not Mathews.

Peter: I spent four years in San Francisco. You will find some of the SF charm in small doses here in Lakewood. Unique restaurants, cool burrito joints, plenty of neighborhood bars where you can catch some good music, thriving artists' scene and lots of people walking around - well, not so many in the winter. I miss plenty about Northern Calif., but I've been very happy in Lakewood since I moved back from SF 20 years ago. Hope you enjoy your stay this weekend!

I have to say I've lived in Lakewood for 26 years, with a short break in Parma while starting a family and we moved right back to Lakewood! I feel very comfortable and safe here and it's easy to get to know your way around! The east end of Lakewood is going downhill slowly, but even there, I feel safer than walking around other cities at night! We have so many unique individuals here and cool restaurants and shops! It's very family-friendly and easily walkable! But like everyone said, you just have to be safe and aware of your surroundings! My 3 story, 5 bedroom, 2 bath house is 106(maybe more, i can't remember) years old and in need of some major updates! Heating bill in the winter is $500+ and other bills are high too. But on the up side, you are buying into history with beautiful, unique houses all around!

Christine and Allison. Thanks for your feed back back on LW I am coming next week end to check it out I am sure I will miss Nor cal !!!! but sadly just can not afford the weather tax any more. If ur not making over 100K then ur eating cat food and i am not sure SF is worth eating cat food. Do u think I will be the only Australian in LW or do you have other crazy fun Ozzie there. Hope 2cu guys @ a local place soon.. Yes Al those winter heating bills seem high, but 2 things one my other costs of living go down and thank god for global warming as the winters r getting better.....JOKE >>>>>> Any way see u on the other side. maybe if I come there I can bring the good luck of the giants to the tribe ????????? and win a world series CHEERS PB

I too, have an older home. The best investment I made which resulted in lower heating bills was new windows. upstairs and down.
Drawback to Lakewood homes - small closets, sometimes just one bathroom and a 'half bath' in basement. I've always felt safe in my home, safe walking and riding a bike even at night.