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zoey_kid
living
Living in Boulder -the reality
You can expect to pay around $1,924 for rent here. Am I wrong here? Looking forward to hearing from you all.
13 upvotes
16 Replies
olivia_native
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 46, moved here 3 years ago from Houston. I've lived in East and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The pet-friendliness situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for families. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $100K-$70K 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.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 46, moved here 3 years ago from Houston. I've lived in East and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The pet-friendliness situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for families. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $100K-$70K 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.
28 upvotes
Adrian H.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is walkability. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Worth doing your research before committing.
24 upvotes
Vivian Murphy
+1
24 upvotes
Mackenzie M.
I work in manufacturing here and it's exactly what I was looking for. The job market for my field is improving. Hope this helps!.
21 upvotes
Santiago Reyes
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 57, moved here 11 years ago from LA. I've lived in Riverside and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Active local events and festivals
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. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The weather situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for singles. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 LA, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $100K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
Background: I'm a project manager, 57, moved here 11 years ago from LA. I've lived in Riverside and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Active local events and festivals
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. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The weather situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for singles. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 LA, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $100K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
18 upvotes
Christian C.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
17 upvotes
Avery W.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Baltimore about 12 years ago. The main reasons were weather and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are established, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Good luck with whatever you decide..
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Baltimore about 12 years ago. The main reasons were weather and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are established, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Good luck with whatever you decide..
17 upvotes
Hannah Wilson
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
17 upvotes
Savannah Wright
Bought a house here in 2020 and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
17 upvotes
Eliana D.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 10 years ago. The main reasons were family and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are wild, gas is solid.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Feel free to reach out with questions..
I'm a chef who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 10 years ago. The main reasons were family and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are wild, gas is solid.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Feel free to reach out with questions..
17 upvotes
Sadie Garcia
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 42, moved here 14 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Pine Hills and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Low crime in most neighborhoods
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The public transit situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for singles. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 stable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $100K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
Background: I'm a electrician, 42, moved here 14 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Pine Hills and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Low crime in most neighborhoods
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The public transit situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for singles. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 stable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $100K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
12 upvotes
Asher Ruiz
as a local I can confirm
9 upvotes
aaron_girl
I work in education here and I genuinely enjoy living here. The job market for my field is improving. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
9 upvotes
Jack H.
I've been living here for 9 years and I'd say I love the pace of life here. The cost of living is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall Hope this helps!.
4 upvotes
Cooper C.
it depends on the neighborhood
4 upvotes
Hannah Hughes
Bought a house here in 2019 and the quality of life is solid. Property values have gone about the same since then.
1 upvotes