Quick answer
Choose Montrose for stronger overall walkability, distinctive restaurants, established character, mature trees, central access, and a broader high-rise lifestyle. Choose Lower Heights for a larger recent-graduate population, more newer mid-rises, lower effective pricing, Washington Avenue nightlife, broader inventory, and stronger lease-up concessions. A recent graduate with a larger budget may prefer Montrose, especially when high-rise living or neighborhood character matters. For most new graduates, I still recommend touring Lower Heights first and using Montrose as the premium lifestyle comparison.
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