First post here. I relocated for work and Average temperature is around 73--F, so it's warm year-round. Rent is about $1,679/month for a decent place. You can expect to pay around $1,679 for rent here. The unemployment rate is 6.0%, which is about average. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The city has invested a lot in new development. Is this normal for Balm? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The city has invested a lot in new development. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The city has invested a lot in new development. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The weather takes some getting used to. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
9 upvotes
8 Replies
Matthew Adams
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 40, moved here 1 years ago from LA. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The food scene situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for remote workers. decent vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 LA, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $70K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
38 upvotes
Isaiah Davis
We moved here with our family and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Schools in West area are solid. Kids love it here.
36 upvotes
Evelyn Evans
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. the quality of life is solid. Compared to Phoenix it's surprisingly good.
36 upvotes
Chloe R.
lol so true
31 upvotes
Dylan
not my experience at all
28 upvotes
Kai
bump
26 upvotes
Natalie R.
this is the way
23 upvotes
chicagoguy2020
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 26, moved here 14 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in West and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The public transit situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for singles. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.