Not sure if this has been asked before, but I'm a college student here and Rent is about $897/month for a decent place. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Should I be concerned? Property taxes are high but you get good services. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
15 upvotes
12 Replies
Violet Morris
hmm interesting perspective
39 upvotes
Denise R.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is housing market. it exceeded my expectations. Worth doing your research before committing.
37 upvotes
Eliana L.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
28 upvotes
isabella_runner
My experience has been mostly positive. I genuinely enjoy living here. The only thing I'd watch out for is dating scene. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
23 upvotes
Cooper Cook
Used to live on the Old Town side, now on the Lakewood side. Completely different vibe. I love the pace of life here.
20 upvotes
Asher Robinson
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
20 upvotes
Evan W.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
19 upvotes
Ariana
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 15 years here, that's my honest assessment.
17 upvotes
Waylon Price
haha yep pretty much
13 upvotes
Nicholas G.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 48, moved here 4 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Midtown and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The housing market situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for remote workers. solid vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Dallas, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$80K 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
Sofia Cooper
bump
4 upvotes
Isabella Davis
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 43, moved here 15 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in The Heights and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The healthcare situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for remote workers. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Phoenix, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.