First post here. It's a a small town city with about 1,310 people. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
7 upvotes
8 Replies
Sebastian Ward
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Portland about 8 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Affordable housing options
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Nightlife is limited
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are pricey, gas is solid.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Definitely worth checking out..
37 upvotes
Evan P.
We moved here with our family and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Schools in Highland area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
31 upvotes
James Ward
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely average and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe 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.
31 upvotes
Zoey Diaz
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I love the pace of life here.
23 upvotes
Wesley Bennett
+1
21 upvotes
Allison H.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 26, moved here 5 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Midtown and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The housing market situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for couples. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 stable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $70K-$140K 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.
2 upvotes
Nora Peterson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 52, moved here 15 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Highland, 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. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The healthcare situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for young professionals. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 San Francisco, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$80K 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.
0 upvotes
Lucas H.
I'm a pharmacist and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is decent and there's always something going on.
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