Been living here since 2013. With a population of 109K, Greeley is a mid-size city. Average temperature is around 50--F, so expect cold winters. Crime rate is something to consider -Greeley sits at 353.3 per 100K. The unemployment rate is 3.8%, which is pretty low. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The suburbs are where most families end up. Should I be concerned? Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
46 upvotes
29 Replies
Benjamin A.
100%
40 upvotes
Nicholas Clark
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in East. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in government. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Asian.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
40 upvotes
Eva Miller
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 44, moved here 15 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Oak Park and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Affordable housing options
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The outdoor recreation situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for remote workers. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$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.
40 upvotes
Bella Reed
noted, appreciate it
36 upvotes
Daniel Wood
yep
34 upvotes
Cora Long
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 12 years. Moved from San Diego for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2017 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset schools are solid. 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. Limited high-paying job options. Can feel isolated. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
Samuel Ramirez
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is housing market. it was the best decision I ever made. Worth doing your research before committing.
28 upvotes
Josiah Williams
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Maple Ridge for 8 years. Moved from Austin for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - 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. Maple Ridge schools are average. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Limited high-paying job options. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
28 upvotes
Kennedy Ward
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want school system, then yeah this place is great. But if job market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
27 upvotes
Nova E.
I'm a nurse and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. The community is decent and there's always something going on.
24 upvotes
Brooks R.
spot on
24 upvotes
Jaxon C.
wish I knew this sooner
24 upvotes
Josiah Parker
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
21 upvotes
bennett_life
I've been living here for 9 years and I'd say I love the pace of life here. The nightlife is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
20 upvotes
Benjamin Price
Bought a house here in 2022 and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
18 upvotes
Reagan Lee
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 9 years. Moved from Phoenix for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is improving - 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. Riverside schools are tough. 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. Dating scene is rough. Far from beaches/mountains. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
17 upvotes
Kennedy Edwards
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Oak Park for 10 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2020 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is solid - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Oak Park schools are excellent. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Can feel isolated. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
17 upvotes
Santiago Jones
Came here for weather and stayed because I genuinely enjoy living here. The community vibe is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
16 upvotes
John Gutierrez
Used to live on the Lakewood side, now on the East side. Completely different vibe. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
15 upvotes
Kai Myers
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
13 upvotes
Hailey Thomas
Saving this thread
11 upvotes
chloe_girl
I've lived in North for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Houston, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Strong job market in several industries
- The walkability scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for singles. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
9 upvotes
Kennedy M.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want school system, then yeah this place is great. But if pet-friendliness matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
9 upvotes
Ariana Cooper
We moved here with our family and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Schools in Midtown area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
8 upvotes
Jesse L.
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The nightlife is honestly tough and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
6 upvotes
Jordan H.
bump
6 upvotes
robert_girl
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Internet is average in most areas.
5 upvotes
Chloe Rogers
yep
4 upvotes
Ezekiel Foster
As someone who grew up here, it's been a really good experience overall. A lot has changed in the past few years though. outdoor recreation used to be much manageable but now it's pretty good.