My family moved here when I was a kid. Median household income is $176,350, which feels pretty solid for the area. Average temperature is around 58°F, so the weather is moderate. It's a a mid-size city city with about 229K people. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Any advice would be great. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
23 upvotes
4 Replies
Jameson Lopez
not my experience at all
34 upvotes
Avery R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 8 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are growing, gas is tough.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Hope this helps!.
20 upvotes
Doris M.
this is the way
16 upvotes
Axel Edwards
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 57, moved here 9 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Downtown and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The walkability situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for couples. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Boston, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is growing. 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.
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