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isla_kid
best-worst
Best kept secrets of Golden, CO
OK so Is this normal for Golden? Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
14 upvotes
8 Replies
Caleb C.
great question, following
35 upvotes
Clara Turner
The food scene here is challenging. Tons of great Italian places. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
35 upvotes
Nova Mitchell
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it's not perfect but it works for me. Compared to Chicago it's decent.
30 upvotes
Dominic C.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Chicago about 9 years ago. The main reasons were family and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are developing, gas is excellent.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Happy to answer more specific questions..
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Chicago about 9 years ago. The main reasons were family and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are developing, gas is excellent.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Happy to answer more specific questions..
26 upvotes
Waylon
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 56, moved here 4 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Eastside and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The weather situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for retirees. solid vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
Background: I'm a contractor, 56, moved here 4 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Eastside and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The weather situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for retirees. solid vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
18 upvotes
Barbara L.
I've lived in Eastside for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Active local events and festivals
- The safety scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. No regrets on my end..
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Active local events and festivals
- The safety scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. No regrets on my end..
18 upvotes
Weston Anderson
yeah no that's not right
13 upvotes
Daniel Allen
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 14 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
I've been here 14 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
0 upvotes