OK so I'm retired and It's a a smaller city city with about 51,350 people. Median household income is $111,915, which feels pretty solid for the area. The city has invested a lot in new development. Anyone in a similar situation? TIA! Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
30 upvotes
26 Replies
Brielle H.
I've been living here for 10 years and I'd say it exceeded my expectations. The cost of living is improving compared to other places I've lived. Overall Hope this helps!.
40 upvotes
Ryan Nelson
wish I knew this sooner
40 upvotes
Logan D.
100%
39 upvotes
phoenix_christian
I'm a writer and I've found it exceeded my expectations. The community is solid and there's always something going on.
38 upvotes
Peyton Thomas
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 cultural scene. Other than that, Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
36 upvotes
Noah James
Public transit is hit or miss here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I genuinely enjoy living here.
35 upvotes
Isabella Hill
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 14 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
33 upvotes
Lucas Martin
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I genuinely enjoy living here. Internet is excellent in most areas.
33 upvotes
Zoey Gonzalez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 39, moved here 15 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Westside and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The nightlife situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for young professionals. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
29 upvotes
Autumn Scott
Moved here from Miami about 6 years ago. I genuinely enjoy living here. Still getting used to food scene but Happy to answer more specific questions..
27 upvotes
Sarah R.
Public transit is challenging here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I love the pace of life here.
27 upvotes
Jacob Campbell
it depends on the neighborhood
27 upvotes
Elena Foster
it depends on the neighborhood
26 upvotes
Michael Reyes
seconding this
26 upvotes
Jack R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 49, moved here 1 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Riverside and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Affordable housing options
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The walkability situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for couples. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
25 upvotes
Quinn Cruz
exactly what I was thinking
24 upvotes
madelyn_mind
hard disagree but ok
24 upvotes
Jackson Gonzalez
been saying this for years
21 upvotes
Jameson Stewart
yep
20 upvotes
Robert B.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is housing market. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Worth doing your research before committing.
18 upvotes
Aaron Hughes
Totally agree!
14 upvotes
Vivian S.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 14 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
14 upvotes
Noah Rodriguez
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Hope this helps!.
11 upvotes
Delilah G.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Seattle about 6 years ago. The main reasons were work and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good healthcare facilities
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are reasonable, gas is average.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Hope this helps!.
9 upvotes
Nevaeh Roberts
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 33, moved here 2 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Downtown and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The community vibe situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for singles. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
7 upvotes
Lydia J.
My experience has been mostly positive. it exceeded my expectations. The only thing I'd watch out for is outdoor recreation. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
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