Anyone else feel this way? Let me know your thoughts. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
5 upvotes
11 Replies
Genesis Turner
hmm interesting perspective
39 upvotes
Asher Ross
I've lived in Downtown for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Lots of new development happening
- The outdoor recreation scene is tough
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for singles. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
38 upvotes
Victoria W.
nah I disagree
31 upvotes
Lily Miller
I work in manufacturing here and it exceeded my expectations. The job market for my field is decent. Good luck with whatever you decide..
29 upvotes
Isabelle Bennett
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 35, moved here 9 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Lakewood and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Active local events and festivals
2. Close to major attractions
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Limited shopping options
3. The walkability situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for young professionals. tough 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 Houston, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
27 upvotes
Claire
Bought a house here in 2019 and I genuinely enjoy living here. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
26 upvotes
Aurora J.
seconding this
25 upvotes
Mia Hughes
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 12 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Decent public transit for the size
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are affordable, gas is tough.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Definitely worth checking out..
13 upvotes
Ariana King
Came here for work and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The weather is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
6 upvotes
Waylon Williams
I've lived in East for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- The dating scene scene is challenging
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for singles. Good luck with whatever you decide..
4 upvotes
Madeline Lee
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 9 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into running, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the Sunset side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..