I'm retired and Homes are going for about $951,200 on average. Median household income is $134,367, which feels pretty solid for the area. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The weather takes some getting used to.
41 upvotes
6 Replies
Olivia B.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely decent and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Highland) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Denver, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
22 upvotes
Stella K.
Public transit is better than expected here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I love the pace of life here.
22 upvotes
Scarlett
I'm a nurse and I've found it exceeded my expectations. The community is average and there's always something going on.
17 upvotes
Riley P.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 54, moved here 15 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Lakewood and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The community vibe situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for retirees. decent vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Tampa, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $60K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
11 upvotes
orlando_isaac
I've been living here for 5 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community vibe is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..
All Countries
