Homes are going for about $143,400 on average. Average temperature is around 47--F, so expect cold winters. It's a a small town city with about 4,310 people. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The city has invested a lot in new development. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
8 upvotes
7 Replies
Bennett M.
couldn't agree more
40 upvotes
Cooper Morgan
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 56, moved here 4 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Riverside and Highland, 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 average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Can feel isolated
3. The cost of living situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for remote workers. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 pricey. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
38 upvotes
Melanie D.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 1 years. Moved from Denver for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East schools are pretty good. 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. Winters are long and cold. Homeless population growing downtown. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
Colton Gonzalez
as a local I can confirm
18 upvotes
Austin M.
The food scene here is solid. Tons of great farm-to-table places. it's been a really good experience overall.
17 upvotes
Piper Walker
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Charlotte about 13 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good airport with direct flights
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are stable, gas is average.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
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