Anyone else feel this way? It's not perfect, but the community is solid. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
29 upvotes
8 Replies
Grayson Cook
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Denver about 4 years ago. The main reasons were family and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Good airport with direct flights
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are manageable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Happy to answer more specific questions..
35 upvotes
Luca Castillo
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 3 years. Moved from Phoenix for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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. East 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Limited shopping options. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
Ellie Rodriguez
As someone who grew up here, it's exactly what I was looking for. A lot has changed in the past few years though. community vibe used to be much reasonable but now it's challenging.
31 upvotes
Madelyn Bailey
Bought a house here in 2017 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
28 upvotes
Dominic E.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 10 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
26 upvotes
Daniel
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Phoenix and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Uptown. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in consulting. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
22 upvotes
Jordan H.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I genuinely enjoy living here. Good luck with whatever you decide..
18 upvotes
Daniel Torres
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Compared to San Francisco it's hit or miss.
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