Hello, The suburbs are where most families end up. Any advice would be great. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
12 upvotes
22 Replies
Claire Roberts
I'm a physical therapist and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The community is average and there's always something going on.
36 upvotes
Jameson Clark
it depends on the neighborhood
35 upvotes
Audrey G.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 8 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is average - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset schools are improving. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Road conditions need improvement. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
Samuel Walker
This.
30 upvotes
Owen S.
Bought a house here in 2016 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone about the same since then.
29 upvotes
Angel Green
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 challenging and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. 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. cultural scene is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
28 upvotes
Adrian
same here
20 upvotes
Gabriella K.
not my experience at all
19 upvotes
Landon Torres
Came here for weather and stayed because there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor recreation is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
19 upvotes
Nevaeh Kelly
wish I knew this sooner
15 upvotes
Matthew Mitchell
Used to live on the Uptown side, now on the Sunset side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
14 upvotes
Benjamin Turner
couldn't agree more
14 upvotes
native_bennett73
haha yep pretty much
14 upvotes
sunny_lucas44
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 48, moved here 13 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Springfield and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The cultural scene situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for remote workers. tough 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 Baltimore, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$130K 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.
12 upvotes
Christian Sanders
Used to live on the Pine Hills side, now on the Springfield side. Completely different vibe. I have mixed feelings honestly.
12 upvotes
Nathan Thomas
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in Old Town area are challenging. Kids love it here.
11 upvotes
Arianna Campbell
Bought a house here in 2017 and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Property values have gone about the same since then.
11 upvotes
Josiah Price
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it exceeded my expectations. Internet is underrated in most areas.
10 upvotes
Katherine Gutierrez
this is the way
7 upvotes
madelyn_heart
yep
6 upvotes
Dylan Williams
interesting, hadn't considered that
2 upvotes
Andrew Morris
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Miami about 9 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Good airport with direct flights
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are developing, gas is average.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
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