Hey folks, Been living here since 2020. The unemployment rate is 5.5%, which is about average. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Am I wrong here? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
9 upvotes
14 Replies
Piper Ramirez
noted, appreciate it
39 upvotes
denverlocal2021
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
39 upvotes
Valentina G.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 15 years. Moved from Nashville for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. construction 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:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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. East 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
oaklandnative2020
I'm a nurse and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is excellent and there's always something going on.
32 upvotes
Nicholas T.
facts
30 upvotes
boston_aurora
preach
26 upvotes
Naomi Mitchell
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely pretty good and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (West) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
26 upvotes
Owen Ramos
great question, following
20 upvotes
Cooper Robinson
same here
17 upvotes
James Foster
I've lived in Downtown for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The outdoor recreation scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for singles. No regrets on my end..
13 upvotes
Ariana Young
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Greenfield for 7 years. Moved from Baltimore for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2017 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Greenfield schools are decent. 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 public transit options. Chain restaurants dominate. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
kc_david
We moved here with our family and it's not perfect but it works for me. Schools in The Heights area are excellent. Kids love it here.
10 upvotes
Avery Alvarez
I've been living here for 11 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The safety is improving compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
9 upvotes
Josiah Williams
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 10 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in East and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The nightlife situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for couples. solid vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $60K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.