Military spouse here. It's a a small town city with about 17,026 people. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
5 upvotes
2 Replies
Stella Mendoza
Came here for quality of life and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The school system is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
31 upvotes
Ian Morales
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 36, moved here 3 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Affordable housing options
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Limited shopping options
3. The job market situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for remote workers. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $40K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.