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Abigail R. moving

Considering Gary vs Salt Lake City -help me decide

Hi all, We have two kids and Median household income is $37,380, which feels on the lower side for the area. Poverty rate is 29.0%, which is higher than I expected. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Let me know your thoughts. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The city has invested a lot in new development. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
9 upvotes

2 Replies

Mason Castillo
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.

If you value weather, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely hit or miss and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is developing 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 Can feel isolated.

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.
22 upvotes
Josiah
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Good luck with whatever you decide..
20 upvotes
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