Been meaning to ask this. Just moved here 16 months ago and
1 upvotes
3 Replies
Jack Baker
lol so true
15 upvotes
willow_girl
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Miami about 5 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Four distinct seasons
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are reasonable, gas is solid.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Feel free to reach out with questions..
10 upvotes
Isabelle Turner
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 25, moved here 13 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Pine Hills and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The cultural scene situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for couples. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$150K 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.