First post here. I'm single, late 20s, and You can expect to pay around $1,516 for rent here. Median household income is $81,041, which feels pretty solid for the area. Average temperature is around 70--F, so it's warm year-round. The unemployment rate is 2.7%, which is pretty low. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Anyone in a similar situation? Thanks in advance! It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
6 upvotes
13 Replies
Isabella Foster
Moved here from Pittsburgh about 14 years ago. it's exactly what I was looking for. Still getting used to public transit but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
40 upvotes
Ellie Rodriguez
I've lived in Westside for about 2 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 Salt Lake City, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Decent public transit for the size
- The weather scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Can feel isolated
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for singles. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
38 upvotes
Mia E.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely better than expected and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Chain restaurants dominate.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
37 upvotes
Luna C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 39, moved here 2 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Can feel isolated
3. The cost of living situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for families. 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 Boston, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
35 upvotes
Genesis Kim
not my experience at all
34 upvotes
Joshua M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 29, moved here 6 years ago from Denver. I've lived in South and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Property taxes are high
3. The pet-friendliness situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for remote workers. better than expected 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 improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$70K 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.
28 upvotes
Axel Moore
Used to live on the Pine Hills side, now on the Greenfield side. Completely different vibe. it was the best decision I ever made.
28 upvotes
Riley C.
this is the way
26 upvotes
Theodore
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 10 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into running, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Midtown side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
18 upvotes
miamirunner2022
it depends on the neighborhood
14 upvotes
atlvibes2024
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely tough and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (The Heights) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
13 upvotes
Cora Richardson
Moved here from Chicago about 15 years ago. it's exactly what I was looking for. Still getting used to cultural scene but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
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