First post here. Average temperature is around 54--F, so expect cold winters. Homes are going for about $231,000 on average. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Should I be concerned? I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
7 upvotes
22 Replies
Wesley Mitchell
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely better than expected and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (South) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Denver, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
40 upvotes
Judy S.
We moved here with our family and the quality of life is solid. Schools in Downtown area are improving. Kids love it here.
40 upvotes
Theodore Harris
couldn't agree more
38 upvotes
Lydia Sanchez
We moved here with our family and it's not perfect but it works for me. Schools in Uptown area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
37 upvotes
Jace R.
Hot take but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. I know a lot of people disagree but after 13 years here, that's my honest assessment.
35 upvotes
Owen Stewart
As someone who grew up here, I have mixed feelings honestly. A lot has changed in the past few years though. job market used to be much affordable but now it's average.
34 upvotes
William
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 52, moved here 6 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Active local events and festivals
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. Winters are long and cold
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The dating scene situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for couples. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Charlotte, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
30 upvotes
kayden_walker
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. the quality of life is solid. Compared to Nashville it's pretty good.
30 upvotes
Olivia Evans
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
29 upvotes
Luna
My experience has been mostly positive. it's been a really good experience overall. The only thing I'd watch out for is dating scene. Other than that, Hope this helps!.
26 upvotes
Evelyn Cox
spot on
25 upvotes
Allison H.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cultural scene. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Worth doing your research before committing.
24 upvotes
Maya J.
As someone who grew up here, it's exactly what I was looking for. A lot has changed in the past few years though. cost of living used to be much competitive but now it's hit or miss.
24 upvotes
Autumn Murphy
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 52, moved here 11 years ago from New York. I've lived in Pine Hills and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally improving - 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 weather situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for retirees. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 New York, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$100K 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.
20 upvotes
Anna Evans
Used to live on the Highland side, now on the Maple Ridge side. Completely different vibe. it exceeded my expectations.
16 upvotes
Grace Morales
noted, appreciate it
13 upvotes
William
Bought a house here in 2019 and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
11 upvotes
Gianna Lee
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Portland and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in The Heights. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in retail. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
11 upvotes
Colton
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Compared to Denver it's average.
8 upvotes
Eli Nguyen
seconding this
4 upvotes
Andrew Ward
Used to live on the Sunset side, now on the East side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
1 upvotes
Sophie Castillo
We moved here with our family and it's been a really good experience overall. Schools in East area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
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