Hey folks, I relocated for work and Household incomes average around $143,031 in Castle Rock. It's a a smaller city city with about 76,614 people. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
22 upvotes
6 Replies
Joseph B.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 6 years. Moved from Dallas for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South 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. Limited high-paying job options. Chain restaurants dominate. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
Emilia Sanchez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 34, moved here 10 years ago from Houston. I've lived in The Heights and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Growing food and restaurant scene
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Property taxes are high
3. The pet-friendliness situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for families. solid vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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
Harper
following this thread
15 upvotes
Elena Hill
lol so true
11 upvotes
Thomas James
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
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