Hi all, Just moved here 18 months ago and Average temperature is around 59--F, so the weather is moderate. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Am I overthinking this? It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
25 upvotes
25 Replies
Adeline Martin
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 13 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. marketing 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 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 solid. 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 a lot of cultural diversity. Road conditions need improvement. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
cora_soul
This.
37 upvotes
Luca Young
honestly same experience here
36 upvotes
Josiah Bennett
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Internet is pretty good in most areas.
33 upvotes
Anna Ross
I work in manufacturing here and I genuinely enjoy living here. The job market for my field is surprisingly good. Feel free to reach out with questions..
30 upvotes
Christopher K.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 31, moved here 1 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in The Heights and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The job market situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for families. decent vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 developing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K 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.
29 upvotes
Austin Lee
The food scene here is pretty good. Tons of great Mexican places. it's been a really good experience overall.
27 upvotes
Jonathan Johnson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely excellent and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Miami, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit 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.
26 upvotes
Joseph F.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I have mixed feelings honestly. Internet is solid in most areas.
25 upvotes
Roman Cruz
great question, following
24 upvotes
Declan T.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Tampa and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Oak Park. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in legal. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
23 upvotes
Isabelle Hernandez
nah I disagree
22 upvotes
Thomas
I've been living here for 7 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The community vibe is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..
22 upvotes
Jacob James
The food scene here is average. Tons of great farm-to-table places. it's not perfect but it works for me.
18 upvotes
Valentina Moore
nah I disagree
18 upvotes
Brooklyn Ward
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is dating scene. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
17 upvotes
jaxlocal2026
Hot take but the quality of life is solid. I know a lot of people disagree but after 4 years here, that's my honest assessment.
15 upvotes
Lillian H.
Moved here from Pittsburgh about 9 years ago. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Still getting used to healthcare but Hope this helps!.
12 upvotes
Ariana Harris
As someone who grew up here, I'm still on the fence after all this time. A lot has changed in the past few years though. nightlife used to be much affordable but now it's underrated.
12 upvotes
miami_ryan
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 48, moved here 1 years ago from Boston. I've lived in The Heights and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The public transit situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for remote workers. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Boston, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
12 upvotes
Nevaeh Mitchell
We moved here with our family and it's been a really good experience overall. Schools in Cedar Grove area are better than expected. Kids love it here.
12 upvotes
living_addison29
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 44, moved here 15 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Springfield and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Limited shopping options
3. The food scene situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for retirees. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$140K 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.
8 upvotes
Arianna Thompson
This.
7 upvotes
Emily Jones
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in Downtown area are excellent. Kids love it here.
4 upvotes
Charlotte M.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 12 years. Moved from Seattle for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East schools are better than expected. 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. Limited entertainment options. Far from beaches/mountains. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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