Curious what people think. Median household income is $52,671, which feels on the lower side for the area. Homes are going for about $180,500 on average. The food scene here is surprisingly good. TIA!
10 upvotes
19 Replies
Eric K.
exactly what I was thinking
39 upvotes
Madeline White
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely excellent and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (South) 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. food scene is completely different here. And Chain restaurants dominate.
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.
37 upvotes
Piper Myers
bump
36 upvotes
Diana H.
I'm a lawyer and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
32 upvotes
Lisa R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 58, moved here 12 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Lakewood and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Property taxes are high
3. The nightlife situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for couples. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Portland, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$130K 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.
32 upvotes
Hailey T.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Denver about 3 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good airport with direct flights
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are affordable, gas is average.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Happy to answer more specific questions..
32 upvotes
Sarah Gonzalez
The food scene here is improving. Tons of great Asian places. the quality of life is solid.
30 upvotes
Oliver Stewart
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The housing market scene is average
The downsides:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
30 upvotes
Ezra Rogers
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Nashville and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Fairview. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in construction. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
No regrets on my end..
27 upvotes
Carson W.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Seattle and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Eastside. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in government. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
23 upvotes
Mason Rogers
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 9 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Greenfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
21 upvotes
Luke Jackson
thanks for sharing
21 upvotes
Zoey White
Totally agree!
14 upvotes
Jaxon Morris
big facts right here
10 upvotes
Hunter Gutierrez
facts
10 upvotes
Gabriel
I've been living here for 11 years and I'd say the quality of life is solid. The community vibe is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
7 upvotes
Jace Sanchez
As someone who grew up here, it was the best decision I ever made. A lot has changed in the past few years though. outdoor recreation used to be much competitive but now it's solid.
6 upvotes
omaha_amelia
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 11 years. Moved from Portland for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. construction 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 love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town 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. Urban sprawl is real. Not very walkable outside downtown. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
2 upvotes
Hudson Rogers
The food scene here is improving. Tons of great Korean places. I have mixed feelings honestly.
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