Quick answer
Montrose fits renters who value central access, distinctive restaurants, nightlife, mature trees, practical walkability, luxury high-rises, and a polished but individualistic atmosphere. It tends to attract more established and higher-income professionals than Lower Heights, although recent graduates with sufficient budgets may prefer it. For most new graduates, I still begin with Lower Heights because it offers a larger recent-graduate population, newer mid-rises, Washington Avenue activity, and stronger net-effective value. Montrose becomes the better choice when character, central access, high-rise living, and neighborhood walkability justify the premium.
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