Military spouse here. Average temperature is around 57--F, so the weather is moderate. Poverty rate is 5.6%, which is pretty low. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. What do you all think? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
10 upvotes
5 Replies
Thomas Martinez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 41, moved here 13 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Pine Hills and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The walkability situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for singles. hit or miss 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $60K-$110K 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.
25 upvotes
Nora
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Dallas about 3 years ago. The main reasons were family and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Decent public transit for the size
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are growing, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Hope this helps!.
18 upvotes
Nevaeh Clark
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I have mixed feelings honestly. Definitely worth checking out..
13 upvotes
Arianna Clark
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cultural scene. it exceeded my expectations. Worth doing your research before committing.
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