So, Born and raised here. Homes are going for about $439,000 on average. It's a a smaller city city with about 97,048 people. With a population of 97,048, Orem is a smaller city. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Would love some local perspective. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
13 upvotes
30 Replies
Cooper Wood
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Compared to Tampa it's hit or miss.
38 upvotes
Linda W.
Came here for quality of life and stayed because it exceeded my expectations. The food scene is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
38 upvotes
Naomi Cox
As someone who grew up here, I genuinely enjoy living here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. cost of living used to be much reasonable but now it's average.
37 upvotes
Colton Hill
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 11 years. Moved from LA for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2023 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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. Eastside 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. Property taxes are high. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
Angel Sanders
Moved here from Minneapolis about 8 years ago. it's been a really good experience overall. Still getting used to nightlife but Happy to answer more specific questions..
33 upvotes
Maverick Jimenez
I work in government here and I genuinely enjoy living here. The job market for my field is improving. Happy to answer more specific questions..
31 upvotes
Julian Watson
been saying this for years
31 upvotes
Addison Howard
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
29 upvotes
Michael Howard
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is nightlife. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Worth doing your research before committing.
28 upvotes
Grace Long
This.
26 upvotes
Victoria Phillips
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 10 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into running, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
25 upvotes
Roman C.
as a local I can confirm
25 upvotes
Kai Edwards
I'm a accountant and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is challenging and there's always something going on.
23 upvotes
Axel Cruz
I've lived in Springfield for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The job market scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
23 upvotes
Chloe Jones
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 34, moved here 9 years ago from Miami. I've lived in East and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Property taxes are high
3. The dating scene situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for remote workers. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
18 upvotes
Samuel Smith
accurate
15 upvotes
Genesis J.
underrated comment
15 upvotes
Eva Lopez
I've lived in Fairview for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Salt Lake City, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Lots of new development happening
- Close to major attractions
- The job market scene is improving
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Urban sprawl is real
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for families. Hope this helps!.
15 upvotes
Kai Flores
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 9 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into running, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
14 upvotes
native_violet51
Moved here from San Diego about 5 years ago. the quality of life is solid. Still getting used to public transit but Happy to answer more specific questions..
13 upvotes
Mateo Brooks
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely average and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Uptown) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Charlotte, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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
Madison W.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want food scene, then yeah this place is great. But if safety matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
11 upvotes
Abigail Green
+1
10 upvotes
Gabriella
Hot take but the quality of life is solid. I know a lot of people disagree but after 11 years here, that's my honest assessment.
7 upvotes
Paisley Evans
bump
4 upvotes
Hunter F.
I work in marketing here and it's exactly what I was looking for. The job market for my field is average. Feel free to reach out with questions..
3 upvotes
Levi Hughes
Used to live on the Eastside side, now on the Maple Ridge side. Completely different vibe. I have mixed feelings honestly.
3 upvotes
Josiah R.
haha yep pretty much
2 upvotes
Donald R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 56, moved here 10 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Westside and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The safety situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for couples. excellent vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Chicago, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$80K 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.
1 upvotes
Skylar Kim
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cost of living, then yeah this place is great. But if pet-friendliness matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
All Countries
