Hey folks, Rent is about $2,100/month for a decent place. The unemployment rate is 4.5%, which is about average. Crime rate is something to consider -Westminster sits at 284.4 per 100K. Poverty rate is 14.0%, which is around average. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
23 upvotes
20 Replies
Kinsley Torres
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 13 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Sunset side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
40 upvotes
Isaiah Morris
Public transit is solid here. You'll probably need a car for most things. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
34 upvotes
Madeline Ross
I'm a contractor and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
32 upvotes
Tyler O.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
31 upvotes
Nora Miller
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 11 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
27 upvotes
Virginia M.
I'm a chef and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. The community is solid and there's always something going on.
23 upvotes
Bennett Foster
seconding this
23 upvotes
Carol L.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Pine Hills for 9 years. Moved from Tampa for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. retail 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:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Pine Hills schools are excellent. 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 entertainment options. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
lake_ella18
hard disagree but ok
14 upvotes
Jose Morgan
as a local I can confirm
13 upvotes
Bella Mitchell
good to know, thanks
12 upvotes
Luca Cooper
yeah no that's not right
12 upvotes
Noah Morgan
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 11 years. Moved from Denver for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is improving - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Eastside schools are excellent. 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. Can feel isolated. Homeless population growing downtown. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
7 upvotes
Anna Hall
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 30, moved here 9 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Midtown and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Active local events and festivals
2. Close to major attractions
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Property taxes are high
3. The safety situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for families. solid vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Charlotte, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$80K 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.
4 upvotes
Bennett K.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 36, moved here 13 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Greenfield and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The walkability situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for remote workers. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 Nashville, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $50K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
4 upvotes
gianna_girl
haha yep pretty much
4 upvotes
Jesse L.
This.
3 upvotes
Adam D.
Used to live on the Lakewood side, now on the Westside side. Completely different vibe. it's exactly what I was looking for.
3 upvotes
Lucas Thomas
Public transit is challenging here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
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