Longtime lurker here, We have two kids and Homes are going for about $384,000 on average. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Would love some local perspective. Thanks for reading. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
0 upvotes
4 Replies
Ariana K.
Used to live on the Highland side, now on the Lakewood side. Completely different vibe. I love the pace of life here.
39 upvotes
Elena Lewis
glad someone said it
16 upvotes
Brooklyn
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 6 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
8 upvotes
Grayson Cooper
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 46, moved here 15 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in East and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The outdoor recreation situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for singles. improving vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$140K 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.
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