OK so I'm a remote worker and You can expect to pay around $922 for rent here. Median household income is $90,699, which feels pretty solid for the area. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. What neighborhoods would you suggest? Any help is appreciated.
6 upvotes
11 Replies
Abigail J.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely tough and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Charlotte, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
38 upvotes
Isabella W.
Bought a house here in 2015 and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
35 upvotes
Randy P.
Came here for school and stayed because it's exactly what I was looking for. The job market is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
34 upvotes
Nicholas
This.
33 upvotes
Jonathan M.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
21 upvotes
ian_lover
As someone who grew up here, it's improved dramatically in recent years. A lot has changed in the past few years though. public transit used to be much growing but now it's pretty good.
18 upvotes
raised_nolan58
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 32, moved here 1 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Lakewood and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The community vibe situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for families. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $40K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
17 upvotes
Sofia Parker
I've been living here for 4 years and I'd say I love the pace of life here. The walkability is decent compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
16 upvotes
Isabella Baker
Came here for work and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The job market is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
10 upvotes
Landon Ross
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 30, moved here 1 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in East and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The job market situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for retirees. 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 San Francisco, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K 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.
4 upvotes
Kai Phillips
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.