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Isabelle Green best-worst

What Durango does better than anywhere else

Random thought, Been living here since 2021. Median household income is $79,545, which feels about average for the area. Household incomes average around $79,545 in Durango. Homes are going for about $609,700 on average. Average temperature is around 47--F, so expect cold winters. The unemployment rate is 1.7%, which is pretty low. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The weather takes some getting used to. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.

Pros:
- Good job market
- Strong sense of community
- Plenty of shopping options

Cons:
- Limited nightlife
- Few job opportunities in some fields
- Boring for young people
- Far from major airports
Has anyone dealt with this? There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The weather takes some getting used to. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The suburbs are where most families end up. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The weather takes some getting used to. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
2 upvotes

7 Replies

Joseph Scott
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Pittsburgh and here's my honest breakdown:

Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Fairview. It's hit or miss for what you get.

Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in marketing. If you're in finance you might struggle.

People: Generally pretty good. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.

Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like Italian.

Feel free to reach out with questions..
39 upvotes
Jaxon Ramirez
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. the quality of life is solid. Internet is underrated in most areas.
25 upvotes
Laura C.
lol so true
10 upvotes
Christian Phillips
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Lakewood for 9 years. Moved from Tampa for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2021 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. Lots of new construction which should help.

**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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. Lakewood 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. Nightlife is limited. Urban sprawl is real. And cost of living can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
6 upvotes
Katherine Morris
I work in education here and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The job market for my field is better than expected. Good luck with whatever you decide..
5 upvotes
Ezekiel Rogers
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.

I've been here 4 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.

That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is better than expected.

Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.

Happy to answer more specific questions..
5 upvotes
austinrider2024
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a marketing manager, 35, moved here 14 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in North and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The community vibe situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for couples. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Chicago, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$130K 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.
2 upvotes
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