Not sure if this has been asked before, but Born and raised here. The unemployment rate is 3.5%, which is pretty low. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
14 upvotes
2 Replies
Mateo King
lol so true
23 upvotes
Dylan R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 50, moved here 4 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Old Town and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The walkability situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for retirees. solid vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$120K 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.