Been meaning to ask this. The median home value here is around $440,900, which is pretty steep. Crime rate is something to consider -Northglenn sits at 456.6 per 100K. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
11 upvotes
14 Replies
nolachef2023
not my experience at all
38 upvotes
Adam Jackson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Chicago about 3 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Strong job market in several industries
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are reasonable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Hope this helps!.
37 upvotes
Madeline C.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 6 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
33 upvotes
Kaylee R.
Came here for retirement and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The dating scene is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
33 upvotes
John
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely challenging and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Houston, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
31 upvotes
Ariana Ward
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 32, moved here 6 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in North and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Property taxes are high
3. The walkability situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for young professionals. challenging 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 San Francisco, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$110K 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.
19 upvotes
Jose M.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 3 years. Moved from Seattle for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. healthcare 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:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is improving - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Highland 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. Homeless population growing downtown. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
15 upvotes
Isaac Morgan
same here
15 upvotes
Jose
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
14 upvotes
Grace Bailey
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. Happy to answer more specific questions..
10 upvotes
Ezra Mendoza
My experience has been mostly positive. it's not perfect but it works for me. The only thing I'd watch out for is walkability. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
8 upvotes
Nevaeh James
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Westside. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in government. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
4 upvotes
Angel Watson
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
3 upvotes
Jonathan
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely excellent and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
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