I'm a 36-year-old marketing manager and Rent is about $1,303/month for a decent place. You can expect to pay around $1,303 for rent here. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The city has invested a lot in new development. Anyone in a similar situation?
8 upvotes
11 Replies
Bella Long
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 32, moved here 3 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Fairview and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The walkability situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for families. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
38 upvotes
Isaac Smith
preach
37 upvotes
Eugene R.
I've lived in South for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Decent public transit for the size
- The school system scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for couples. Good luck with whatever you decide..
37 upvotes
Jack
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely solid and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Pine Hills) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job 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.
34 upvotes
Emily Taylor
I work in manufacturing here and it's exactly what I was looking for. The job market for my field is average. No regrets on my end..
32 upvotes
jeremiah_girl
Came here for retirement and stayed because the quality of life is solid. The weather is honestly tough and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
30 upvotes
Ellie Gray
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Minneapolis about 10 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are affordable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
29 upvotes
Camila K.
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in Oak Park area are decent. Kids love it here.
23 upvotes
brielle_chef
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because I love the pace of life here. The job market is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
19 upvotes
Hannah Evans
We moved here with our family and it was the best decision I ever made. Schools in Sunset area are better than expected. Kids love it here.
14 upvotes
Easton W.
Bought a house here in 2017 and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Property values have gone about the same since then.
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