Homes are going for about $437,100 on average. You can expect to pay around $1,685 for rent here. Median household income is $96,893, which feels pretty solid for the area. With a population of 29,716, Orchards is a smaller city. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Worth the trade-offs? I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
8 upvotes
25 Replies
Jaxon Walker
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from New York and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Greenfield. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Asian.
Hope this helps!.
39 upvotes
Susan C.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Raleigh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in North. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in education. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
35 upvotes
Jayden Scott
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 13 years. Moved from Austin for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - 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. South schools are excellent. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Caroline Richardson
accurate
34 upvotes
Emily Mendoza
We moved here with our family and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Schools in Springfield area are tough. Kids love it here.
30 upvotes
Jackson Jones
exactly what I was thinking
29 upvotes
Stella Baker
Weather-wise, the summers are better than expected and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
29 upvotes
camila_living
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Tampa and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Maple Ridge. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in retail. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
25 upvotes
Emilia Wright
Moved here from Portland about 15 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to public transit but Happy to answer more specific questions..
25 upvotes
Eva Ward
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 15 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
18 upvotes
David
same here
17 upvotes
Axel M.
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
14 upvotes
Leonardo Allen
Weather-wise, the summers are underrated and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
14 upvotes
Christian Ramos
literally same
14 upvotes
Mia Cooper
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 34, moved here 11 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in West and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Great outdoor activities nearby
3. Good healthcare facilities
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The pet-friendliness situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for retirees. decent vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Charlotte, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$100K 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.
13 upvotes
Liam Lewis
I've been living here for 9 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The healthcare is improving compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
12 upvotes
Adam Sanders
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely pretty good and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Fairview) 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. job market 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.
9 upvotes
Weston Gray
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Compared to Portland it's surprisingly good.
4 upvotes
austinlife2020
I'm a HR manager and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
4 upvotes
Lydia Perez
I'm a contractor and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is solid and there's always something going on.
3 upvotes
Audrey Gutierrez
yeah no that's not right
3 upvotes
nashville_ruby
literally same
2 upvotes
atl_john
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 4 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
1 upvotes
Kinsley M.
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in Riverside area are underrated. Kids love it here.
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