OK so I'm retired and Rent is about $1,609/month for a decent place. You can expect to pay around $1,609 for rent here. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Let me know your thoughts. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
3 upvotes
12 Replies
Peyton Carter
As someone who grew up here, I love the pace of life here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. cost of living used to be much stable but now it's underrated.
35 upvotes
Nicholas M.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely average and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (East) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
23 upvotes
kayden_native
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 5 years. Moved from San Diego for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth about the same 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. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is decent - 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. Midtown schools are pretty good. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Limited shopping options. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
Victoria Ward
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 48, moved here 10 years ago from Miami. I've lived in The Heights and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The outdoor recreation situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for singles. better than expected 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 Miami, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
20 upvotes
Jace Evans
exactly what I was thinking
17 upvotes
Nevaeh
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Minneapolis about 9 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Lots of new development happening
- Close to major attractions
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are pricey, gas is tough.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
12 upvotes
Everett Adams
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 48, moved here 11 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Old Town and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The public transit situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for families. tough vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 Seattle, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$90K 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.
10 upvotes
Reagan C.
following this thread
8 upvotes
Everly Patel
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Chicago about 5 years ago. The main reasons were family and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Four distinct seasons
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are competitive, gas is decent.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Definitely worth checking out..
8 upvotes
Logan
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in Midtown area are underrated. Kids love it here.
6 upvotes
Brielle W.
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. the quality of life is solid.
4 upvotes
Chloe A.
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it exceeded my expectations.
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