Hey everyone, Military spouse here. With a population of 5,523, Berlin is a small town. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The suburbs are where most families end up. What would you do? Looking forward to hearing from you all. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
2 upvotes
15 Replies
lillian_walker
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are improving, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
40 upvotes
Grace Torres
100%
39 upvotes
Aubrey Green
lol so true
36 upvotes
Ella King
thanks for sharing
31 upvotes
Greyson
glad someone said it
29 upvotes
Isabella Evans
I work in marketing here and it's not perfect but it works for me. The job market for my field is pretty good. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
24 upvotes
Audrey Lee
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 34, moved here 11 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited entertainment options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The weather situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for young professionals. average vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Denver, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
22 upvotes
Hazel Rogers
I've been living here for 6 years and I'd say it's exactly what I was looking for. The weather is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
20 upvotes
Robert Flores
I work in marketing here and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The job market for my field is hit or miss. Definitely worth checking out..
19 upvotes
detroitheart2024
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 7 years. Moved from Boston for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2018 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town 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. Dating scene is rough. Far from beaches/mountains. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
James O.
not my experience at all
13 upvotes
Jayden Roberts
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good healthcare facilities
- The safety scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Rising rent and home prices
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
10 upvotes
jonathan_chef
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 57, moved here 2 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Greenfield, 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 pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The public transit situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for retirees. decent vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Seattle, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$70K 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.
7 upvotes
Piper
Weather-wise, the summers are better than expected and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.