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Piper P. housing

Cost of living reality check -Provo

Hey everyone, I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Rent is about $1,152/month for a decent place. Crime rate is something to consider -Provo sits at 115.2 per 100K. Poverty rate is 13.1%, which is around average. With a population of 114K, Provo is a mid-size city. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Would love some local perspective. TIA! Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The weather takes some getting used to. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The city has invested a lot in new development. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
46 upvotes

12 Replies

sunny_james91
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
33 upvotes
chill_wyatt53
Can confirm, been here 2 years.
32 upvotes
Lucas Patel
interesting, hadn't considered that
27 upvotes
Paisley D.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Riverside for 7 years. Moved from Nashville for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.

**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is improving - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Riverside schools are average. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Dating scene is rough. And weather can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
Harper Mendoza
Used to live on the Greenfield side, now on the Maple Ridge side. Completely different vibe. it exceeded my expectations.
24 upvotes
Samuel R.
interesting, hadn't considered that
22 upvotes
ava_native
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a physical therapist, 46, moved here 5 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Midtown and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Can feel isolated
3. The healthcare situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for singles. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$110K 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.
16 upvotes
Wyatt Kelly
I've lived in Fairview for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.

the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.

A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The dating scene scene is average

The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Limited entertainment options

Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for couples. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
14 upvotes
Thomas S.
Moved here from Minneapolis about 2 years ago. the quality of life is solid. Still getting used to outdoor recreation but No regrets on my end..
10 upvotes
Jameson Jones
noted, appreciate it
4 upvotes
Susan E.
spot on
1 upvotes
cool_autumn83
honestly same experience here
0 upvotes
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