Been meaning to ask this. It's a a mid-size city city with about 155K people. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The suburbs are where most families end up. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
57 upvotes
21 Replies
Alexander Wright
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's not perfect but it works for me. Good luck with whatever you decide..
37 upvotes
Alexa Lewis
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is food scene. it exceeded my expectations. Worth doing your research before committing.
34 upvotes
Roman Campbell
thanks for sharing
32 upvotes
Zoey
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely decent and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Old Town) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Can feel isolated.
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.
30 upvotes
Isla Thomas
Weather-wise, the summers are surprisingly good and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
29 upvotes
Allison Reyes
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. Hope this helps!.
29 upvotes
sdmama2020
Public transit is tough here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it exceeded my expectations.
28 upvotes
Levi H.
Can confirm, been here 9 years.
22 upvotes
Ellie L.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
21 upvotes
Kinsley Brown
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 51, moved here 15 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Sunset and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The outdoor recreation situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for singles. average vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 established. You can live comfortably on $100K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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
Harper Nelson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from San Diego about 12 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Active local events and festivals
- Affordable housing options
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are stable, gas is solid.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Definitely worth checking out..
15 upvotes
Paisley Sanchez
I'm a pharmacist and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is better than expected and there's always something going on.
15 upvotes
David Price
I work in education here and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The job market for my field is decent. No regrets on my end..
13 upvotes
Colton Gutierrez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 5 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
10 upvotes
Sofia Reyes
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 13 years here, that's my honest assessment.
10 upvotes
Wesley T.
Used to live on the West side, now on the Cedar Grove side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
8 upvotes
Kinsley
We moved here with our family and I genuinely enjoy living here. Schools in Pine Hills area are tough. Kids love it here.
7 upvotes
proud_benjamin31
The food scene here is excellent. Tons of great Italian places. it's been a really good experience overall.
7 upvotes
Emmett Lee
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
3 upvotes
proud_kai69
great question, following
3 upvotes
Sadie T.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
All Countries
