Hey folks, Crime rate is something to consider -Lake Telemark sits at 30.7 per 100K. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Has anyone dealt with this? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
1 upvotes
9 Replies
lake_wyatt2
glad someone said it
39 upvotes
Hailey Long
exactly what I was thinking
39 upvotes
Isabella Price
Used to live on the Highland side, now on the Fairview side. Completely different vibe. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
37 upvotes
Sadie
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it exceeded my expectations. Compared to Chicago it's hit or miss.
35 upvotes
Angel Thomas
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.
27 upvotes
Jose Peterson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely improving and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Uptown) 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. dating scene is completely different here. And Dating scene is rough.
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.
26 upvotes
Hailey Williams
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 34, moved here 13 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Greenfield and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Active local events and festivals
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. Property taxes are high
3. The pet-friendliness situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for singles. 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
26 upvotes
jaxwalker2024
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 9 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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