Alright, Been living here since 2017. Average temperature is around 57--F, so the weather is moderate. Poverty rate is 10.4%, which is around average. Median household income is $81,130, which feels pretty solid for the area. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Am I wrong here? Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
18 upvotes
9 Replies
Benjamin Alvarez
Weather-wise, the summers are surprisingly good and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
38 upvotes
Katherine
same here
38 upvotes
denvervibes2020
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Compared to Nashville it's excellent.
36 upvotes
Luca R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 10 years. Moved from Dallas for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North schools are improving. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Far from beaches/mountains. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
Adrian Myers
Hot take but it's exactly what I was looking for. I know a lot of people disagree but after 12 years here, that's my honest assessment.
32 upvotes
Willow Miller
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 48, moved here 6 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Lakewood and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The pet-friendliness situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for retirees. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 pricey. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $70K-$150K 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.
24 upvotes
Christian W.
wish I knew this sooner
21 upvotes
Leo Campbell
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Compared to San Francisco it's excellent.
8 upvotes
Cora Jackson
I've lived in Lakewood for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good internet infrastructure
- The food scene scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
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