Hello, Military spouse here. Rent is about $747/month for a decent place. Average temperature is around 52--F, so expect cold winters. Median household income is $71,051, which feels about average for the area. Household incomes average around $71,051 in Aurora. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
Pros:
- Good job market
- Close to nature
- Plenty of shopping options
- Active local events
Cons:
- Traffic can be terrible
- Hot summers
- Limited nightlife
- Limited dining options
- Mosquitoes and humidity
What neighborhoods would you suggest? The suburbs are where most families end up. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The weather takes some getting used to. The weather takes some getting used to. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
9 upvotes
10 Replies
Jose J.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely tough and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Eastside) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
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.
39 upvotes
Aaliyah Sanders
seconding this
36 upvotes
Kennedy Torres
As someone who grew up here, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. A lot has changed in the past few years though. school system used to be much growing but now it's solid.
30 upvotes
Virginia R.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Uptown. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in legal. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Hope this helps!.
29 upvotes
Sadie
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely excellent and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (West) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Miami, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
28 upvotes
Emilia Jimenez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 13 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
20 upvotes
Rylee Campbell
Bought a house here in 2023 and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
17 upvotes
Quinn Evans
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely excellent and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Road conditions need improvement.
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.
7 upvotes
Nova T.
literally same
2 upvotes
Angel L.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 52, moved here 8 years ago from New York. I've lived in Midtown and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Affordable housing options
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The cultural scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for retirees. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
All Countries
