Hey, I relocated for work and The median home value here is around $790,500, which is pretty steep. The unemployment rate is 2.8%, which is pretty low. Household incomes average around $95,913 in Golden. Homes are going for about $790,500 on average. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Let me know your thoughts. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
2 upvotes
8 Replies
Jacob Cox
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 6 years. Moved from Denver for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is decent - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North 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. Limited high-paying job options. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Julia Baker
bump
39 upvotes
Vivian Thompson
Moved here last year, no regrets.
27 upvotes
Everly Gray
The food scene here is average. Tons of great Thai places. the quality of life is solid.
24 upvotes
coastal_vivian95
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 52, moved here 11 years ago from Austin. I've lived in North and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The nightlife situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for couples. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Austin, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $40K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
16 upvotes
Nora Chavez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from LA about 5 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Lots of new development happening
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are stable, gas is solid.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Good luck with whatever you decide..
9 upvotes
Clara Ward
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I have mixed feelings honestly. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
7 upvotes
eva_native
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 55, moved here 14 years ago from LA. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The traffic situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for couples. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 LA, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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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