Hey, My partner and I are The median home value here is around $499,300, which is pretty steep. Average temperature is around 48--F, so expect cold winters. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Am I overthinking this? Appreciate any input. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The city has invested a lot in new development. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
11 upvotes
11 Replies
everett_native
We moved here with our family and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Schools in West area are tough. Kids love it here.
35 upvotes
Wyatt Ortiz
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely average and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (East) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
32 upvotes
Mia
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 7 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
32 upvotes
Nova Turner
bump
27 upvotes
Harper Smith
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
23 upvotes
Dominic
The food scene here is tough. Tons of great Mexican places. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
19 upvotes
Charlotte Lewis
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Compared to Raleigh it's average.
18 upvotes
Gabriel Flores
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 26, moved here 13 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Old Town and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The healthcare situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for couples. average vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$120K 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.
11 upvotes
Sarah Ortiz
glad someone said it
10 upvotes
Steven M.
lol so true
8 upvotes
sofia_living
Bought a house here in 2016 and I genuinely enjoy living here. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
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