Random thought, Median household income is $62,838, which feels about average for the area. The unemployment rate is 3.6%, which is pretty low. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Anyone in a similar situation?
3 upvotes
7 Replies
Valentina Mitchell
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it's exactly what I was looking for. Compared to Salt Lake City it's challenging.
28 upvotes
Willow P.
As someone who grew up here, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. A lot has changed in the past few years though. healthcare used to be much established but now it's solid.
27 upvotes
vegasrunner2023
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 52, moved here 4 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Riverside and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Diverse dining options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The community vibe situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: 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 Tampa, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $90K-$130K 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.
23 upvotes
Logan Parker
preach
22 upvotes
Grayson Reyes
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
22 upvotes
Jesse H.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
19 upvotes
Eva
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 9 years. Moved from LA for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is average - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are hit or miss. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Rising rent and home prices. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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