Hey folks, The unemployment rate is 5.7%, which is about average. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Any advice would be great. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
12 upvotes
5 Replies
Andrew Jimenez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Portland 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 Eastside. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
18 upvotes
living_ryan38
Used to live on the Lakewood side, now on the Old Town side. Completely different vibe. it exceeded my expectations.
15 upvotes
Karen E.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely excellent and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Old Town) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
12 upvotes
Adrian Anderson
glad someone said it
5 upvotes
Sebastian Green
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 24, moved here 12 years ago from Miami. I've lived in South and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The community vibe situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for singles. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Miami, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
All Countries
