Not sure if this has been asked before, but Rent is about $1,123/month for a decent place. Poverty rate is 17.9%, which is higher than I expected. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Would love some local perspective.
5 upvotes
34 Replies
Jason M.
We moved here with our family and the quality of life is solid. Schools in Old Town area are solid. Kids love it here.
40 upvotes
Levi H.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
39 upvotes
portland_katherine
hard disagree but ok
38 upvotes
Isla C.
following this thread
36 upvotes
Brittany B.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are improving, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
36 upvotes
Sean L.
My experience has been mostly positive. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The only thing I'd watch out for is safety. Other than that, Would recommend to anyone considering it..
33 upvotes
Cora H.
I work in construction here and the quality of life is solid. The job market for my field is pretty good. Happy to answer more specific questions..
32 upvotes
Alexis B.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Portland about 6 years ago. The main reasons were weather and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good healthcare facilities
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Winters are long and cold
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are developing, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
32 upvotes
John
spot on
30 upvotes
Silas W.
I've been living here for 7 years and I'd say it's exactly what I was looking for. The pet-friendliness is pretty good compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
29 upvotes
Joshua
seconding this
29 upvotes
Aurora Rivera
Moved here from Minneapolis about 5 years ago. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Still getting used to outdoor recreation but Hope this helps!.
28 upvotes
Avery Scott
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is walkability. it exceeded my expectations. Worth doing your research before committing.
28 upvotes
David Evans
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Salt Lake City and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in South. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in construction. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Definitely worth checking out..
27 upvotes
Isabelle G.
Hot take but I love the pace of life here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
27 upvotes
Ezra Ruiz
bump
26 upvotes
Valentina King
spot on
25 upvotes
Dominic Myers
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
25 upvotes
Elijah
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 5 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2018 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:**
consulting is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Meadowbrook schools are tough. 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. Limited high-paying job options. Limited shopping options. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
Matthew Clark
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 15 years. Moved from Nashville for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. healthcare 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 average - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown 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. Limited shopping options. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, 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.
23 upvotes
Victoria Gonzalez
Bought a house here in 2024 and I love the pace of life here. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
21 upvotes
Leonardo Brown
glad someone said it
19 upvotes
robert_girl
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. I have mixed feelings honestly. Compared to Denver it's hit or miss.
19 upvotes
Lucy R.
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The community vibe is honestly underrated and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
17 upvotes
Riley Perez
hmm interesting perspective
17 upvotes
Cora C.
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
17 upvotes
Adeline White
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Internet is solid in most areas.
16 upvotes
David M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 40, moved here 14 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in West and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The safety situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for singles. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
13 upvotes
Ellie Brooks
literally same
13 upvotes
Elizabeth Ramirez
The food scene here is better than expected. Tons of great Asian places. the quality of life is solid.
11 upvotes
Jayden Murphy
Moved here last year, no regrets.
10 upvotes
Noah P.
glad someone said it
7 upvotes
Ariana Scott
this is the way
4 upvotes
Alexander Clark
As someone who grew up here, I genuinely enjoy living here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. housing market used to be much pricey but now it's pretty good.
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