OK so Military spouse here. Crime rate is something to consider -Highlands Ranch sits at 89.2 per 100K. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Would love some local perspective.
59 upvotes
17 Replies
Roger D.
I work in manufacturing here and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The job market for my field is hit or miss. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
36 upvotes
Christine F.
Totally agree!
35 upvotes
Mia Clark
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Chicago about 6 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Lots of new development happening
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are affordable, gas is decent.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
35 upvotes
Aurora Carter
I'm a marketing manager and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. The community is underrated and there's always something going on.
34 upvotes
Evelyn C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 25, moved here 7 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in North and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Close to major attractions
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The walkability situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for young professionals. decent vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Seattle, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$120K 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.
33 upvotes
Henry Thompson
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in Downtown area are underrated. Kids love it here.
30 upvotes
Joyce F.
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in Fairview area are decent. Kids love it here.
26 upvotes
Zoe Richardson
good to know, thanks
21 upvotes
Clara A.
exactly what I was thinking
15 upvotes
Nova Long
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it exceeded my expectations. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
14 upvotes
Allison Collins
I've been living here for 12 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
12 upvotes
Gianna L.
facts
10 upvotes
Lucy W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 28, moved here 2 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Oak Park and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The community vibe situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for families. underrated vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $60K-$150K 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.
9 upvotes
Parker
big facts right here
6 upvotes
James M.
Came here for weather and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The dating scene is honestly underrated and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
5 upvotes
Eli
Used to live on the Old Town side, now on the Midtown side. Completely different vibe. I love the pace of life here.
4 upvotes
Landon L.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 10 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Sunset side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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