Been meaning to ask this. Born and raised here. The city has invested a lot in new development. The weather takes some getting used to.
9 upvotes
11 Replies
Aurora Robinson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 5 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
38 upvotes
Lori G.
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in Riverside area are tough. Kids love it here.
38 upvotes
Alexander M.
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in The Heights area are tough. Kids love it here.
37 upvotes
Hannah T.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want healthcare, then yeah this place is great. But if outdoor recreation matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
33 upvotes
mason_kid
Moved here from Portland about 5 years ago. it exceeded my expectations. Still getting used to school system but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
33 upvotes
Willow Castillo
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely improving and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Fairview) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Houston, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
32 upvotes
Christian Brown
I'm a chef and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The community is challenging and there's always something going on.
27 upvotes
Brenda C.
hmm interesting perspective
27 upvotes
Olivia Ortiz
following this thread
21 upvotes
Hudson N.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 48, moved here 6 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in East and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The walkability situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for young professionals. solid vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $70K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.