Been meaning to ask this. My family moved here when I was a kid. Poverty rate is 3.9%, which is pretty low. Household incomes average around $103,129 in Randolph Town. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Any help is appreciated.
29 upvotes
8 Replies
Alexa Ortiz
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 24, moved here 14 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in West and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The walkability situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for retirees. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Phoenix, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$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.
33 upvotes
Mia
been saying this for years
33 upvotes
Elena R.
My experience has been mostly positive. it was the best decision I ever made. The only thing I'd watch out for is healthcare. Other than that, Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
23 upvotes
Zoe Wright
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 12 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
21 upvotes
Quinn
Used to live on the Pine Hills side, now on the Downtown side. Completely different vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
14 upvotes
Henry Campbell
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Atlanta and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Lakewood. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in government. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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