Anyone else feel this way? Crime rate is something to consider -Lockport sits at 82.1 per 100K. The suburbs are where most families end up.
1 upvotes
10 Replies
Madeline Wood
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 14 years ago. The main reasons were family and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Four distinct seasons
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are reasonable, gas is improving.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
40 upvotes
Levi Lopez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Minneapolis about 2 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Good internet infrastructure
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are growing, gas is decent.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Feel free to reach out with questions..
40 upvotes
Jaxon Reed
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 11 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
32 upvotes
Ezra Mitchell
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 31, moved here 13 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Uptown and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The cost of living situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for young professionals. tough vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 competitive. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $40K-$150K 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.
29 upvotes
cool_katherine65
Totally agree!
21 upvotes
John Bailey
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
15 upvotes
Ryan Scott
couldn't agree more
15 upvotes
Ezekiel Sanders
literally same
14 upvotes
Harper F.
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Strong job market in several industries
- The outdoor recreation scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Rising rent and home prices
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for families. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
9 upvotes
lake_kai67
As someone who grew up here, it exceeded my expectations. A lot has changed in the past few years though. school system used to be much pricey but now it's challenging.