OK so Born and raised here. With a population of 1,663, Flying Hills is a small town. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. What do you all think? Appreciate any input.
3 upvotes
11 Replies
Caleb
I've lived in Westside for about 10 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 Dallas, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Active local events and festivals
- The cultural scene scene is decent
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
37 upvotes
Savannah W.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely excellent and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
29 upvotes
Jack R.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 15 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
28 upvotes
Douglas R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 43, moved here 4 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Lakewood and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good airport with direct flights
2. Diverse dining options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Limited shopping options
3. The housing market situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for singles. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Miami, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$100K 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.
22 upvotes
Brenda W.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want nightlife, then yeah this place is great. But if community vibe matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
21 upvotes
Ethan Price
This.
16 upvotes
Emilia
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Denver about 7 years ago. The main reasons were work and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Decent public transit for the size
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are growing, gas is average.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Hope this helps!.
15 upvotes
Alice L.
Moved here from Houston about 8 years ago. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Still getting used to weather but Happy to answer more specific questions..
14 upvotes
Jose Davis
Moved here from Austin about 6 years ago. it exceeded my expectations. Still getting used to outdoor recreation but Good luck with whatever you decide..
12 upvotes
Joseph Wilson
+1
7 upvotes
Easton G.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely tough and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (The Heights) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Limited public transit 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.
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