Hello, I'm retired and The unemployment rate is 2.7%, which is pretty low. Average temperature is around 57--F, so the weather is moderate. 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. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The city has invested a lot in new development.
29 upvotes
11 Replies
Isabella Morgan
As someone who grew up here, it's not perfect but it works for me. A lot has changed in the past few years though. traffic used to be much developing but now it's improving.
39 upvotes
Aiden Campbell
Can confirm, been here 13 years.
39 upvotes
Isaiah R.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Houston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Cedar Grove. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in marketing. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
No regrets on my end..
38 upvotes
sunny_nicholas44
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 58, moved here 14 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Springfield and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Limited shopping options
3. The job market situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for singles. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$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.
37 upvotes
Sebastian Moore
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 3 years. Moved from Baltimore for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. education 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:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Uptown schools are tough. 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. Winters are long and cold. Rising rent and home prices. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
kayden_rider
not my experience at all
28 upvotes
Sadie
Weather-wise, the summers are better than expected and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
27 upvotes
Gabriella Howard
Can confirm, been here 2 years.
10 upvotes
Cora M.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from New York about 14 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Lots of new development happening
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are manageable, gas is improving.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Happy to answer more specific questions..
9 upvotes
Barbara G.
yeah no that's not right
5 upvotes
Natalie H.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 8 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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