Longtime lurker here, I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Crime rate is something to consider -University Park sits at 52.8 per 100K. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Does this match your experience?
11 upvotes
5 Replies
David
as a local I can confirm
35 upvotes
oakland_aubrey
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 51, moved here 8 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Sunset and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The outdoor recreation situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for couples. excellent 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 Denver, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$150K 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.
18 upvotes
nolanative2021
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because it's not perfect but it works for me. The cost of living is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
12 upvotes
Ruby Wood
been saying this for years
11 upvotes
dc_waylon
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 7 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Greenfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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