Been meaning to ask this. Born and raised here. The unemployment rate is 0.2%, which is pretty low. Average temperature is around 44--F, so bundle up in winter. It's a a small town city with about 7,401 people. Median household income is $96,831, which feels pretty solid for the area. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The city has invested a lot in new development.
Pros:
- Affordable cost of living
- Friendly people
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong sense of community
- Walkable downtown
Cons:
- Hot summers
- Rising rent prices
- Limited nightlife
- Sprawl everywhere
- Not enough green space
Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The suburbs are where most families end up. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
11 upvotes
14 Replies
Mackenzie Phillips
wish I knew this sooner
40 upvotes
Willow N.
I work in hospitality here and I have mixed feelings honestly. The job market for my field is solid. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
39 upvotes
Kinsley Campbell
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely excellent and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Downtown) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
38 upvotes
Aubrey
I work in consulting here and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market for my field is decent. Feel free to reach out with questions..
36 upvotes
Lily James
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Compared to Atlanta it's decent.
32 upvotes
Scarlett Phillips
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 38, moved here 7 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Meadowbrook and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The housing market situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for couples. better than expected 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 Denver, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $60K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
29 upvotes
Marilyn R.
as a local I can confirm
26 upvotes
Christine C.
Bought a house here in 2018 and the quality of life is solid. Property values have gone about the same since then.
25 upvotes
Silas T.
glad someone said it
25 upvotes
Sophia Torres
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 2 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
16 upvotes
Quinn Diaz
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in East area are solid. Kids love it here.
15 upvotes
Kaylee Davis
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
14 upvotes
Hannah Ruiz
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because it's not perfect but it works for me. The school system is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
All Countries
