OK so I've been here for 19 years and Average temperature is around 65--F, so the weather is moderate. Homes are going for about $138,200 on average. Property taxes are high but you get good services. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Worth the trade-offs? I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
5 upvotes
13 Replies
Piper T.
Can confirm, been here 12 years.
39 upvotes
Aria Morales
spot on
38 upvotes
Wyatt
The food scene here is solid. Tons of great Asian places. I genuinely enjoy living here.
37 upvotes
Matthew Scott
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely decent and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Oak Park) 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. community vibe is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
33 upvotes
Brooks W.
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 2 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Downtown and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Close to major attractions
2. Affordable housing options
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The walkability situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for retirees. better than expected 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 Houston, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$80K 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.
33 upvotes
Cooper Smith
100%
28 upvotes
Leo Cook
it depends on the neighborhood
21 upvotes
Waylon Ross
Public transit is challenging here. You'll probably need a car for most things. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
19 upvotes
Lily P.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 48, moved here 5 years ago from Miami. I've lived in South and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The public transit situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for families. improving 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 Miami, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
13 upvotes
Thomas Martinez
We moved here with our family and the quality of life is solid. Schools in East area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
8 upvotes
James B.
following this thread
7 upvotes
Connor Foster
We moved here with our family and I genuinely enjoy living here. Schools in Pine Hills area are average. Kids love it here.
1 upvotes
Diana P.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 15 years ago. The main reasons were school and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Lots of new development happening
- Active local events and festivals
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are growing, gas is better than expected.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
All Countries
