Longtime lurker here, Median household income is $59,306, which feels about average for the area. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. What do you all think?
4 upvotes
15 Replies
Serenity Mitchell
been saying this for years
39 upvotes
Ezra Turner
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Phoenix and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in West. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Southern.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
37 upvotes
Katherine L.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Baltimore about 5 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Winters are long and cold
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are reasonable, gas is tough.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Feel free to reach out with questions..
36 upvotes
Axel Moore
big facts right here
32 upvotes
eli_soul
As someone who grew up here, I'm still on the fence after all this time. A lot has changed in the past few years though. community vibe used to be much reasonable but now it's challenging.
30 upvotes
Nathan Ramirez
I've been living here for 11 years and I'd say I love the pace of life here. The school system is excellent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
30 upvotes
bostonlocal2021
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 5 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the Sunset side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
27 upvotes
Sarah Long
following this thread
24 upvotes
sdchef2023
yeah no that's not right
23 upvotes
Cora Adams
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cultural scene, then yeah this place is great. But if traffic matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
23 upvotes
Sophia Mendoza
exactly what I was thinking
17 upvotes
Adam Cox
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 31, moved here 9 years ago from Houston. I've lived in South and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The school system situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for couples. decent 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 Houston, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
16 upvotes
Easton Rogers
I'm a HR manager and I've found I love the pace of life here. The community is excellent and there's always something going on.
15 upvotes
born_lydia42
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
13 upvotes
James Castillo
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I love the pace of life here.
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