Hello, The unemployment rate is 3.1%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $53,005, which feels on the lower side for the area. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Thoughts? Thanks in advance! Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
12 upvotes
7 Replies
Walter S.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 46, moved here 7 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Sunset and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The safety situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for young professionals. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 Atlanta, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
35 upvotes
Harper Myers
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 45, moved here 3 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Downtown and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The healthcare situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for remote workers. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Phoenix, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
33 upvotes
Aaliyah Alvarez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely hit or miss and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Maple Ridge) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
10 upvotes
portlandnative2024
glad someone said it
9 upvotes
Clara Edwards
As someone who grew up here, it's been a really good experience overall. A lot has changed in the past few years though. dating scene used to be much pricey but now it's better than expected.
9 upvotes
Isla Garcia
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 49, moved here 1 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Westside and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Property taxes are high
3. The nightlife situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for singles. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $40K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
6 upvotes
Mason A.
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I genuinely enjoy living here.
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