Hey folks, I've been here for 3 years and Any advice would be great.
3 upvotes
10 Replies
Avery Morgan
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I genuinely enjoy living here.
36 upvotes
Genesis B.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 42, moved here 13 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The job market situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for remote workers. 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 Baltimore, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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
Gianna C.
it depends on the neighborhood
29 upvotes
Emilia C.
great question, following
28 upvotes
Andrew Lee
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
28 upvotes
Charlotte G.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want traffic, then yeah this place is great. But if pet-friendliness matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
21 upvotes
Sadie Castillo
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 43, moved here 7 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The cost of living situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for young professionals. hit or miss 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 Baltimore, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $100K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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
Harper Collins
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 1 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
19 upvotes
hazel_native
this is the way
8 upvotes
Sophie
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 7 years. Moved from Baltimore for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown schools are better than expected. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Can feel isolated. Dating scene is rough. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.