Not sure if this has been asked before, but We have two kids and Poverty rate is 3.8%, which is pretty low. Household incomes average around $129,480 in Columbine. The median home value here is around $590,600, which is pretty steep. You can expect to pay around $2,391 for rent here. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. What do you all think? Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The city has invested a lot in new development.
13 upvotes
25 Replies
Roman Ward
I've been living here for 5 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The safety is improving compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
38 upvotes
Lily Moore
Bought a house here in 2023 and it's not perfect but it works for me. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
35 upvotes
Bennett Ward
exactly what I was thinking
34 upvotes
Julian
this is the way
33 upvotes
Serenity Brown
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely decent and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Westside) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
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.
32 upvotes
Caleb Martinez
great question, following
31 upvotes
Anna P.
I'm a accountant and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is excellent and there's always something going on.
29 upvotes
Brian F.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 8 years. Moved from Charlotte for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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. East schools are tough. 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. Winters are long and cold. Homeless population growing downtown. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
29 upvotes
Ronald T.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it's exactly what I was looking for. Compared to Houston it's underrated.
26 upvotes
Mateo Long
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Internet is surprisingly good in most areas.
26 upvotes
Kayden T.
seconding this
25 upvotes
Audrey
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 47, moved here 9 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Pine Hills and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Can feel isolated
3. The cultural scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for singles. tough vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Portland, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
24 upvotes
Marie H.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Dallas about 2 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Four distinct seasons
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- 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 affordable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
23 upvotes
Stella Adams
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 1-bed in Lakewood. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Indian.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
21 upvotes
Gianna Brooks
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 6 years here, that's my honest assessment.
15 upvotes
Caleb Jackson
wish I knew this sooner
12 upvotes
Jordan Nelson
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Four distinct seasons
- Diverse dining options
- The public transit scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for singles. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
11 upvotes
Joseph B.
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in The Heights area are improving. Kids love it here.
9 upvotes
Ezekiel Kelly
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. the quality of life is solid. Compared to Seattle it's improving.
8 upvotes
Skylar Watson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 12 years. Moved from Charlotte for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is average - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Riverside schools are challenging. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Road conditions need improvement. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
6 upvotes
Julian B.
As someone who grew up here, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. A lot has changed in the past few years though. cost of living used to be much reasonable but now it's surprisingly good.
6 upvotes
Adeline Hernandez
literally same
3 upvotes
Isaac Peterson
Can confirm, been here 9 years.
1 upvotes
Emilia
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 6 years. Moved from Tampa for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is solid - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Uptown schools are average. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Homeless population growing downtown. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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