Been meaning to ask this. I'm single, late 20s, and Average temperature is around 49--F, so expect cold winters. Homes are going for about $460,500 on average. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The city has invested a lot in new development.
2 upvotes
14 Replies
Anna Bailey
preach
39 upvotes
Gabriella Roberts
Bought a house here in 2023 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
39 upvotes
Lucas R.
it depends on the neighborhood
34 upvotes
Ryan C.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it was the best decision I ever made. No regrets on my end..
34 upvotes
Violet Hall
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 42, moved here 11 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Lakewood and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Affordable housing options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited shopping options
3. The school system situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for retirees. pretty good 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 Denver, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $80K-$140K 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.
29 upvotes
Isabella R.
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The public transit is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
28 upvotes
Axel W.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Tampa about 13 years ago. The main reasons were work and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Four distinct seasons
- Diverse dining options
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are affordable, gas is improving.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
28 upvotes
Emily Price
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
26 upvotes
Ellie P.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Good luck with whatever you decide..
24 upvotes
Madeline W.
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because it exceeded my expectations. The school system is honestly underrated and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
24 upvotes
Luke Patel
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Riverside. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in construction. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Indian.
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