Median household income is $52,170, which feels on the lower side for the area. Poverty rate is 14.8%, which is around average. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
19 upvotes
6 Replies
Olivia Sanchez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from San Diego and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Old Town. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in education. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
No regrets on my end..
38 upvotes
Logan Ruiz
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 36, moved here 5 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Lakewood and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The public transit situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for families. surprisingly good 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 tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
30 upvotes
Michael F.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
All Countries
