Longtime lurker here, Median household income is $88,060, which feels pretty solid for the area.
22 upvotes
12 Replies
Joseph B.
I work in government here and I love the pace of life here. The job market for my field is improving. Definitely worth checking out..
40 upvotes
Dylan Hill
this is the way
36 upvotes
Zoe Y.
+1
35 upvotes
Emmett N.
Moved here from Charlotte about 14 years ago. I genuinely enjoy living here. Still getting used to school system but Happy to answer more specific questions..
34 upvotes
Mason
Public transit is tough here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
29 upvotes
Amelia Jimenez
good to know, thanks
29 upvotes
Carson Reed
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from New York about 1 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are stable, gas is challenging.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
27 upvotes
Cooper Rodriguez
+1
26 upvotes
Carol F.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 25, moved here 7 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Fairview and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The food scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for retirees. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Charlotte, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
24 upvotes
Joseph Wood
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 54, moved here 9 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Downtown and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The safety situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for couples. solid vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K 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.
17 upvotes
Julia Ramirez
I've lived in West for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good healthcare facilities
- The pet-friendliness scene is improving
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Rising rent and home prices
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. Hope this helps!.
5 upvotes
Mackenzie P.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 51, moved here 12 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The outdoor recreation situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for remote workers. improving vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$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.