We're a young couple and Rent is about $1,651/month for a decent place. Average temperature is around 55--F, so the weather is moderate. It's a a smaller city city with about 31,599 people. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The suburbs are where most families end up. The weather takes some getting used to. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
0 upvotes
5 Replies
Chloe Mitchell
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 27, moved here 8 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Sunset and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Diverse dining options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The pet-friendliness situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for remote workers. tough vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
31 upvotes
Ethan Hill
this is the way
24 upvotes
Hunter Robinson
I work in manufacturing here and it's exactly what I was looking for. The job market for my field is underrated. Good luck with whatever you decide..
17 upvotes
Alice Wright
We moved here with our family and it's been a really good experience overall. Schools in Lakewood area are average. Kids love it here.
15 upvotes
abigail_mind
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 13 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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