Been meaning to ask this. I relocated for work and The median home value here is around $348,800, which seems about average. Median household income is $87,716, which feels pretty solid for the area. Household incomes average around $87,716 in Cranston. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Does this match your experience? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
12 upvotes
9 Replies
Elizabeth Wood
100%
39 upvotes
James W.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from San Diego and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Midtown. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in education. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
37 upvotes
Ellie Rodriguez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely average and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Westside) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Dating scene is rough.
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
Marilyn R.
I've been living here for 5 years and I'd say the quality of life is solid. The walkability is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..
29 upvotes
Ian King
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I have mixed feelings honestly. Internet is pretty good in most areas.
28 upvotes
Violet L.
noted, appreciate it
19 upvotes
Naomi Roberts
as a local I can confirm
12 upvotes
Sofia Moore
thanks for sharing
4 upvotes
Lydia Roberts
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 15 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is improving - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside schools are solid. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Summers can be brutally hot. Can feel isolated. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.