Hello, I'm a nurse at the local hospital and You can expect to pay around $2,308 for rent here. Poverty rate is 1.9%, which is pretty low. Average temperature is around 53--F, so expect cold winters. With a population of 22,512, Summit is a small town. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Anyone in a similar situation? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The weather takes some getting used to. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
7 upvotes
10 Replies
Anna Ramirez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 15 years. Moved from Dallas for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is tough - 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. 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. Nightlife is limited. Property taxes are high. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
37 upvotes
fresnolocal2023
lol so true
36 upvotes
Judith W.
following this thread
30 upvotes
Isaac
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 46, moved here 6 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Lakewood and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Good healthcare facilities
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The public transit situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for remote workers. improving vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Diego, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
28 upvotes
Madeline Kim
100%
23 upvotes
Nicholas Garcia
not my experience at all
23 upvotes
Aaliyah Wright
I've lived in Westside for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good schools in most areas
- The outdoor recreation scene is tough
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for couples. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
19 upvotes
Stella Morris
Moved here from Salt Lake City about 2 years ago. I love the pace of life here. Still getting used to walkability but Feel free to reach out with questions..
9 upvotes
Nathan J.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 1 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
8 upvotes
Aria Carter
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Internet is decent in most areas.