Hi all, I relocated for work and Average temperature is around 57--F, so the weather is moderate. The median home value here is around $236,100, which is actually reasonable. The unemployment rate is 8.7%, which is concerning. Crime rate is something to consider -Mesa del Caballo sits at 360.9 per 100K. It's a a small town city with about 1,188 people. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. 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. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The city has invested a lot in new development. The weather takes some getting used to. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The weather takes some getting used to. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
0 upvotes
14 Replies
Beverly R.
nah I disagree
32 upvotes
Levi R.
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.
28 upvotes
Madison P.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it exceeded my expectations. Internet is average in most areas.
28 upvotes
Delilah B.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Downtown) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Can feel isolated.
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.
26 upvotes
Adrian Garcia
yep
23 upvotes
Audrey
underrated comment
21 upvotes
orlando_riley
We moved here with our family and I genuinely enjoy living here. Schools in West area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
13 upvotes
Sarah Cruz
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
11 upvotes
Roman Walker
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Austin about 5 years ago. The main reasons were school and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are wild, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Hope this helps!.
8 upvotes
genesis_native
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 55, moved here 8 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Lakewood and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The outdoor recreation situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for singles. average 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 Houston, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
6 upvotes
Rylee C.
Can confirm, been here 12 years.
5 upvotes
Dominic Bailey
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely hit or miss and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (The Heights) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
5 upvotes
Aaron G.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. the quality of life is solid. Compared to Boston it's excellent.