Not sure if this has been asked before, but Poverty rate is 9.0%, which is pretty low. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Should I be concerned? Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
10 upvotes
6 Replies
Wesley Foster
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely tough and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Riverside) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
31 upvotes
Anthony G.
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because I love the pace of life here. The traffic is honestly tough and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
27 upvotes
denvervibes2026
Weather-wise, the summers are average and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
22 upvotes
aaron_fan
I've lived in Eastside for about 12 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 Minneapolis, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Lots of new development happening
- Four distinct seasons
- The job market scene is decent
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. Happy to answer more specific questions..
20 upvotes
Emmett Morales
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Chicago and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Lakewood. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
14 upvotes
Adam Wood
Bought a house here in 2021 and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Property values have gone about the same since then.