My family moved here when I was a kid. Median household income is $166,023, which feels pretty solid for the area. The unemployment rate is 3.1%, which is pretty low. It's a a small town city with about 12,489 people. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Anyone in a similar situation? The city has invested a lot in new development. The suburbs are where most families end up. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The suburbs are where most families end up. The city has invested a lot in new development. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
15 upvotes
11 Replies
Henry Cooper
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 36, moved here 5 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Riverside and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The housing market situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for couples. improving vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Houston, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $90K-$70K 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.
34 upvotes
Isla Watson
Public transit is solid here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
26 upvotes
Cameron Diaz
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
26 upvotes
nolavibes2025
Used to live on the Eastside side, now on the Meadowbrook side. Completely different vibe. I love the pace of life here.
21 upvotes
Jeremiah Morgan
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 4 years here, that's my honest assessment.
19 upvotes
Lily Martinez
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The walkability is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
19 upvotes
Gloria M.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Maple Ridge. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in education. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
18 upvotes
Amelia Smith
Bought a house here in 2018 and it's not perfect but it works for me. Property values have gone about the same since then.
15 upvotes
Melanie Edwards
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely solid and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Downtown) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
6 upvotes
Emilia
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I genuinely enjoy living here. Good luck with whatever you decide..
6 upvotes
mesafan2024
Weather-wise, the summers are surprisingly good and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
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