Anyone else feel this way? I've been here for 1 years and The unemployment rate is 0.9%, which is pretty low. Poverty rate is 9.3%, which is pretty low. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Should I be concerned? It's not perfect, but the community is solid. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
14 upvotes
14 Replies
Naomi G.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Tampa about 15 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Four distinct seasons
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are affordable, gas is decent.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
35 upvotes
Sarah R.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 3 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
32 upvotes
Autumn S.
Saving this thread
30 upvotes
Sarah Miller
Moved here from Houston about 11 years ago. it's not perfect but it works for me. Still getting used to traffic but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
29 upvotes
living_savannah13
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 39, moved here 15 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Highland and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Winters are long and cold
3. The public transit situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for singles. challenging 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 Denver, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$140K 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.
28 upvotes
Aurora Price
I've been living here for 1 years and I'd say I love the pace of life here. The cultural scene is better than expected compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
28 upvotes
tulsa_lucas
underrated comment
25 upvotes
Austin H.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
23 upvotes
Carson R.
I've been living here for 6 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The food scene is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
22 upvotes
Rebecca T.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 39, moved here 5 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Westside and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Limited public transit options
3. The traffic situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for singles. improving vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 San Diego, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$120K 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.
21 upvotes
Madeline Morgan
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 15 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
15 upvotes
Dylan Jones
underrated comment
15 upvotes
Sophie Bennett
great question, following
10 upvotes
Ezekiel
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. Good luck with whatever you decide..
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