Anyone else feel this way? I'm a college student here and Average temperature is around 66--F, so the weather is moderate. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Anyone in a similar situation?
10 upvotes
4 Replies
Madelyn B.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 42, moved here 6 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Fairview and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The job market situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for young professionals. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 San Francisco, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$90K 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.
30 upvotes
Aubrey Adams
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely excellent and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Limited entertainment 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.
28 upvotes
Daniel Watson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Austin and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Lakewood. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in construction. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Definitely worth checking out..
12 upvotes
Jameson Lopez
I work in healthcare here and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The job market for my field is challenging. Hope this helps!.
All Countries
