Alright, Poverty rate is 1.2%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $88,701, which feels pretty solid for the area. Rent is about $1,327/month for a decent place. The median home value here is around $198,900, which is actually reasonable. Homes are going for about $198,900 on average. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The city has invested a lot in new development. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Does this match your experience? Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
15 upvotes
2 Replies
Henry
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 5 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Close to major attractions
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are manageable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Hope this helps!.
30 upvotes
Gianna
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 54, moved here 14 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Oak Park and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The pet-friendliness situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for couples. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 established. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$80K 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.
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