My partner and I are Median household income is $38,884, which feels on the lower side for the area. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
12 upvotes
14 Replies
Easton Cruz
it depends on the neighborhood
40 upvotes
Adam N.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 1 years. Moved from Denver for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown 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. Property taxes are high. Chain restaurants dominate. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
34 upvotes
Mason C.
This.
34 upvotes
Daniel M.
great question, following
27 upvotes
Easton Cook
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it was the best decision I ever made. Internet is decent in most areas.
24 upvotes
Carson
literally same
22 upvotes
Brielle King
not my experience at all
22 upvotes
benjamin_runner
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 12 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
22 upvotes
Julian Howard
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Internet is decent in most areas.
20 upvotes
Paisley Bailey
preach
19 upvotes
Jeremiah M.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Miami about 3 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Lots of new development happening
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are pricey, gas is underrated.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
18 upvotes
Lily W.
Used to live on the Midtown side, now on the Greenfield side. Completely different vibe. I love the pace of life here.
9 upvotes
Weston Gray
accurate
7 upvotes
John R.
Bought a house here in 2024 and I genuinely enjoy living here. Property values have gone up a bit since then.