Hi all, We have two kids and Household incomes average around $116,838 in Ken Caryl. The unemployment rate is 2.4%, which is pretty low. With a population of 33,407, Ken Caryl is a smaller city. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Does this match your experience? Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
18 upvotes
14 Replies
Josiah Ortiz
glad someone said it
32 upvotes
chloe_soul
I'm a social worker and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
30 upvotes
Thomas Cook
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
29 upvotes
Scarlett Castillo
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely underrated and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Pine Hills) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
29 upvotes
raleigh_aria
interesting, hadn't considered that
24 upvotes
Madeline Allen
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 3 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the Greenfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
19 upvotes
Anna Edwards
nah I disagree
18 upvotes
Avery
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 4 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Midtown side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
14 upvotes
Eli Castillo
I've lived in Downtown for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good healthcare facilities
- The walkability scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for young professionals. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
10 upvotes
Hudson Alvarez
I've been living here for 12 years and I'd say it's exactly what I was looking for. The traffic is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..
9 upvotes
Melanie Sanchez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Chicago and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Old Town. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Hope this helps!.
6 upvotes
Quinn Young
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 9 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Property taxes are high
3. The food scene situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for couples. improving 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 Minneapolis, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$140K 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.
6 upvotes
Melanie Sanders
As someone who grew up here, I'm still on the fence after all this time. A lot has changed in the past few years though. housing market used to be much developing but now it's solid.
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