Longtime lurker here, Born and raised here. Homes are going for about $626,300 on average. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
9 upvotes
13 Replies
Jayden
seconding this
33 upvotes
Bella Cook
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 13 years ago. The main reasons were weather and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are reasonable, gas is underrated.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
32 upvotes
Kathryn H.
My experience has been mostly positive. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The only thing I'd watch out for is outdoor recreation. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
29 upvotes
Andrew Lee
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Boston about 1 years ago. The main reasons were school and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good healthcare facilities
- Decent public transit for the size
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are affordable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
29 upvotes
Autumn Flores
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want job market, then yeah this place is great. But if nightlife matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
29 upvotes
Ariana Ward
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Miami about 9 years ago. The main reasons were school and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Four distinct seasons
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are affordable, gas is challenging.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Good luck with whatever you decide..
27 upvotes
Adrian R.
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.
23 upvotes
Madeline K.
I work in education here and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The job market for my field is tough. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
17 upvotes
Samuel W.
My experience has been mostly positive. it's exactly what I was looking for. The only thing I'd watch out for is traffic. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..
16 upvotes
waylon_kid
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 2 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
5 upvotes
Levi Campbell
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 55, moved here 7 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Lakewood and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The healthcare situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for singles. improving vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Chicago, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
2 upvotes
Philip L.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Portland about 12 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good schools in most areas
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are established, gas is decent.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Good luck with whatever you decide..
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