Anyone else feel this way? I'm retired and Poverty rate is 8.6%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $81,260, which feels pretty solid for the area. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Am I wrong here? Night life is decent if you know the right spots. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
3 upvotes
27 Replies
William Hill
This.
39 upvotes
Violet
bump
37 upvotes
Kai Rodriguez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely decent and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Old Town) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Can feel isolated.
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.
36 upvotes
Ariana Reed
hmm interesting perspective
35 upvotes
Ella Alvarez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 47, moved here 1 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Springfield and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The nightlife situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for remote workers. average 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 Phoenix, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $40K-$150K 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
Sophia B.
I'm a physical therapist and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
32 upvotes
Kinsley Campbell
Came here for weather and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The safety is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
31 upvotes
Dominic Baker
My experience has been mostly positive. it's improved dramatically in recent years. The only thing I'd watch out for is school system. Other than that, Would recommend to anyone considering it..
31 upvotes
Samuel Kelly
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Boston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Westside. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
28 upvotes
Kennedy Roberts
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
27 upvotes
Nevaeh
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from LA about 11 years ago. The main reasons were work and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Decent public transit for the size
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Winters are long and cold
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are wild, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Feel free to reach out with questions..
27 upvotes
Connor Hill
Used to live on the Downtown side, now on the The Heights side. Completely different vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
25 upvotes
Weston Jones
I've been living here for 14 years and I'd say I love the pace of life here. The nightlife is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
25 upvotes
Greyson Reyes
accurate
24 upvotes
Ava Ramirez
Came here for family and stayed because it's not perfect but it works for me. The public transit is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
14 upvotes
Parker G.
good to know, thanks
13 upvotes
Gabriel Green
+1
13 upvotes
Serenity Mitchell
bump
9 upvotes
Angel
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. No regrets on my end..
6 upvotes
Landon Ward
facts
6 upvotes
Ethan Sanchez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 9 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
4 upvotes
Jeremiah S.
spot on
4 upvotes
Kai T.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Denver and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Lakewood. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in tech. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Definitely worth checking out..
3 upvotes
Brielle
haha yep pretty much
2 upvotes
Aaliyah
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in Old Town area are solid. Kids love it here.
2 upvotes
Isabella S.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Nashville and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Meadowbrook. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Asian.
Definitely worth checking out..
1 upvotes
Dylan Williams
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 39, moved here 13 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Lakewood and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The nightlife situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for couples. decent vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Chicago, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
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