Anyone else feel this way? Been living here since 2016. Rent is about $1,209/month for a decent place. Median household income is $72,699, which feels about average for the area. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
25 upvotes
6 Replies
true_carson24
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
38 upvotes
Hannah R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 32, moved here 13 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Springfield and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Four distinct seasons
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. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The school system situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for retirees. average vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Dallas, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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
Rylee C.
Used to live on the The Heights side, now on the Lakewood side. Completely different vibe. it's not perfect but it works for me.
34 upvotes
Austin P.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 36, moved here 6 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Greenfield and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The cost of living situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for retirees. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 pricey. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $40K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
20 upvotes
Hailey S.
Bought a house here in 2017 and the quality of life is solid. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
11 upvotes
Evan M.
I've lived in Downtown for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Close to major attractions
- The cost of living scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Nightlife is limited
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for families. Feel free to reach out with questions..
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