First post here. Poverty rate is 15.2%, which is higher than I expected. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Let me know your thoughts. Looking forward to hearing from you all. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
4 upvotes
6 Replies
Luca G.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 26, moved here 2 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Riverside and Lakewood, 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 challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Limited shopping options
3. The weather situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for remote workers. 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 Boston, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
35 upvotes
Joshua Price
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want safety, then yeah this place is great. But if walkability matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
25 upvotes
Dylan
I've been living here for 12 years and I'd say I love the pace of life here. The safety is decent compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
23 upvotes
Leah Bennett
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 4 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
11 upvotes
Zoey White
Hot take but I genuinely enjoy living here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
All Countries
