Random thought, I've been here for 15 years and Poverty rate is 2.5%, which is pretty low. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The suburbs are where most families end up.
1 upvotes
7 Replies
Maya Wright
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 44, moved here 2 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Lakewood and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Nice parks and green spaces
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The public transit situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for young professionals. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
38 upvotes
Bella
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Phoenix and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Midtown. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in real estate. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
31 upvotes
Elijah Young
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it was the best decision I ever made. Compared to San Francisco it's challenging.
21 upvotes
Isaiah Morgan
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 12 years. Moved from Nashville for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is better than expected - 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. South 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Dating scene is rough. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
Brenda B.
Bought a house here in 2021 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
8 upvotes
Sophia E.
Used to live on the The Heights side, now on the Uptown side. Completely different vibe. it was the best decision I ever made.
3 upvotes
Landon L.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Feel free to reach out with questions..
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