Hi all, Military spouse here. Homes are going for about $247,200 on average. Rent is about $1,088/month for a decent place. Average temperature is around 70--F, so the weather is moderate. Poverty rate is 10.7%, which is around average. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
0 upvotes
13 Replies
Kayden C.
My experience has been mostly positive. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The only thing I'd watch out for is weather. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..
40 upvotes
Hazel Martinez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Baltimore about 14 years ago. The main reasons were weather and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good healthcare facilities
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are competitive, gas is underrated.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Good luck with whatever you decide..
29 upvotes
Reagan Rivera
As someone who grew up here, I have mixed feelings honestly. A lot has changed in the past few years though. pet-friendliness used to be much pricey but now it's average.
20 upvotes
Adrian M.
lol so true
19 upvotes
Lily R.
I'm a software engineer and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. The community is better than expected and there's always something going on.
18 upvotes
Piper Cox
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 1 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
12 upvotes
Rylee Foster
following this thread
11 upvotes
Charlotte Reed
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Eastside. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in construction. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
11 upvotes
Ethan T.
Totally agree!
11 upvotes
Kinsley Turner
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because it's not perfect but it works for me. The community vibe is honestly surprisingly good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
8 upvotes
Miles Young
hard disagree but ok
7 upvotes
Mia Allen
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 27, moved here 3 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Sunset and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Property taxes are high
3. The pet-friendliness situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for young professionals. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Phoenix, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$120K 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.