Hey everyone, My family moved here when I was a kid. With a population of 8,461, Barre is a small town. Rent is about $986/month for a decent place. Crime rate is something to consider -Barre sits at 748.5 per 100K. Household incomes average around $53,288 in Barre. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The weather takes some getting used to. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The suburbs are where most families end up. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The suburbs are where most families end up. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The suburbs are where most families end up. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
4 upvotes
13 Replies
Zoey Gray
exactly what I was thinking
37 upvotes
Aaliyah Collins
Moved here from Denver about 9 years ago. I genuinely enjoy living here. Still getting used to cultural scene but Good luck with whatever you decide..
31 upvotes
Connor Allen
My experience has been mostly positive. I'm still on the fence after all this time. The only thing I'd watch out for is safety. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..
25 upvotes
Aiden L.
I've been living here for 4 years and I'd say I genuinely enjoy living here. The community vibe is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
22 upvotes
aaron_fan
nah I disagree
21 upvotes
Jacqueline R.
noted, appreciate it
17 upvotes
Sebastian Wood
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 8 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth down slightly 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:**
hospitality is strong here. retail 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:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Eastside schools are solid. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Chain restaurants dominate. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
15 upvotes
Declan Alvarez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 58, moved here 3 years ago from LA. I've lived in Pine Hills and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The cultural scene situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for remote workers. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 LA, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $80K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
9 upvotes
Deborah J.
I've lived in Lakewood for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good internet infrastructure
- The job market scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for remote workers. Good luck with whatever you decide..
8 upvotes
Xavier Reyes
literally same
6 upvotes
Weston Sanders
hmm interesting perspective
3 upvotes
Ellie S.
Used to live on the Downtown side, now on the Riverside side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
1 upvotes
Sophia T.
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in West area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
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