Been meaning to ask this. I'm a college student here and Homes are going for about $359,000 on average. Crime rate is something to consider -Montrose sits at 204.5 per 100K. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Has anyone dealt with this? Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
15 upvotes
14 Replies
Savannah Gomez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Phoenix about 9 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Four distinct seasons
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are wild, gas is decent.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
35 upvotes
Ariana A.
I work in real estate here and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The job market for my field is underrated. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
34 upvotes
Emmett Lee
Used to live on the North side, now on the Cedar Grove side. Completely different vibe. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
32 upvotes
Greyson Alvarez
big facts right here
31 upvotes
Daniel Torres
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it was the best decision I ever made.
31 upvotes
Grace Nelson
Weather-wise, the summers are better than expected and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
28 upvotes
Zoe Mitchell
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is housing market. it exceeded my expectations. Worth doing your research before committing.
26 upvotes
Xavier Bennett
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Dallas about 5 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Decent public transit for the size
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are growing, gas is solid.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
23 upvotes
Josiah Gutierrez
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Internet is surprisingly good in most areas.
19 upvotes
Chloe Morgan
not my experience at all
12 upvotes
Harper Mendoza
couldn't agree more
11 upvotes
Emilia M.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 13 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
11 upvotes
Victoria C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 50, moved here 3 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Lakewood and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The housing market situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for families. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Tampa, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
All Countries
