Been meaning to ask this. We have two kids and You can expect to pay around $1,746 for rent here. The unemployment rate is 0.7%, which is pretty low. The median home value here is around $418,100, which is pretty steep. It's a a small town city with about 6,976 people. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The weather takes some getting used to. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
3 upvotes
5 Replies
Samuel Y.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 48, moved here 11 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The job market situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for couples. pretty good 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 Houston, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $90K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
35 upvotes
portlandliving2021
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in Highland area are underrated. Kids love it here.
32 upvotes
Chloe Ross
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: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Midtown. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in consulting. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Hope this helps!.
19 upvotes
Logan Ortiz
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely hit or miss and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Westside) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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
Allison Young
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 24, moved here 13 years ago from LA. I've lived in Riverside and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The nightlife situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for singles. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 LA, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$100K 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.
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