Curious what people think. I work in government and The median home value here is around $85,300, which is actually reasonable. Median household income is $37,380, which feels on the lower side for the area. Average temperature is around 50--F, so expect cold winters. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The city has invested a lot in new development. Does this match your experience? Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
0 upvotes
24 Replies
Gianna
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 27, moved here 3 years ago from Denver. I've lived in East and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The cost of living situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for retirees. underrated vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Denver, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$100K 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.
38 upvotes
Cora Morris
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 34, moved here 9 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Sunset and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The housing market situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for couples. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Denver, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $50K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
38 upvotes
Marilyn G.
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
38 upvotes
Emilia Gutierrez
100%
37 upvotes
portland_caroline
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want community vibe, then yeah this place is great. But if healthcare matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
35 upvotes
Christian Thompson
Used to live on the Lakewood side, now on the Pine Hills side. Completely different vibe. it exceeded my expectations.
32 upvotes
Brooks C.
this is the way
28 upvotes
Harper C.
I've lived in South for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Portland, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Close to major attractions
- The school system scene is solid
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
28 upvotes
vegas_brooks
Saving this thread
27 upvotes
Hannah
not my experience at all
25 upvotes
John H.
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Lots of new development happening
- Four distinct seasons
- The safety scene is tough
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. Happy to answer more specific questions..
21 upvotes
Sadie Torres
bump
18 upvotes
Leonardo Reyes
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 8 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
17 upvotes
William
nah I disagree
16 upvotes
Kai Jackson
haha yep pretty much
16 upvotes
Adam Cox
it depends on the neighborhood
15 upvotes
Vivian Brown
I've been living here for 10 years and I'd say I genuinely enjoy living here. The pet-friendliness is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..
15 upvotes
Ethan Wilson
Moved here from Miami about 15 years ago. the quality of life is solid. Still getting used to community vibe but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
14 upvotes
Ruby Foster
I'm a chef and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
14 upvotes
Jaxon Reed
I've lived in Eastside for about 6 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 Atlanta, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good internet infrastructure
- The outdoor recreation scene is tough
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
8 upvotes
Maya Sanders
As someone who grew up here, the quality of life is solid. A lot has changed in the past few years though. walkability used to be much developing but now it's decent.
7 upvotes
Angel Sanders
Came here for weather and stayed because it's been a really good experience overall. The walkability is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
5 upvotes
Katherine Ortiz
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 1 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
4 upvotes
Victoria
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it exceeded my expectations.
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