Hi all, I've been here for 8 years and Crime rate is something to consider -Dickinson sits at 222.0 per 100K. Median household income is $76,964, which feels about average for the area. Rent is about $963/month for a decent place. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. What are your go-to spots? The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
27 upvotes
9 Replies
Melanie Patel
spot on
40 upvotes
loving_xavier87
thanks for sharing
40 upvotes
andrew_kid
As someone who grew up here, it exceeded my expectations. A lot has changed in the past few years though. safety used to be much stable but now it's excellent.
26 upvotes
Isla Brown
I'm a sales manager and I've found I love the pace of life here. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
25 upvotes
Kinsley H.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want public transit, then yeah this place is great. But if outdoor recreation matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
24 upvotes
Alexa J.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 2 years. Moved from Atlanta for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. retail 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:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is solid - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside schools are underrated. 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 shopping options. Limited entertainment options. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
Leo L.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 15 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
15 upvotes
Benjamin Murphy
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely decent and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Fairview) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
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.
15 upvotes
Benjamin H.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 49, moved here 4 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Highland and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The weather situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for retirees. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $70K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
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