OK so There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Does this match your experience? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
22 upvotes
25 Replies
Jose Gutierrez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 47, moved here 8 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Highland and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Homeless population growing downtown
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The healthcare situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for retirees. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$110K 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
Bradley T.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 15 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
32 upvotes
Rylee Collins
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely better than expected and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Fairview) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
29 upvotes
John Walker
Public transit is improving here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it was the best decision I ever made.
28 upvotes
Naomi Mendoza
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 14 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
28 upvotes
Xavier Ross
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 6 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
24 upvotes
Lisa W.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 10 years. Moved from Boston for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2024 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is tough - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside schools are surprisingly good. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Limited entertainment options. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
Nathan Collins
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 39, moved here 14 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Uptown and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The housing market situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for remote workers. improving vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Portland, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
23 upvotes
Aurora Wright
The food scene here is pretty good. Tons of great Mexican places. it's exactly what I was looking for.
22 upvotes
Allison Lee
Public transit is tough here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
21 upvotes
greyson_local
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely tough and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Houston, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
21 upvotes
Cooper Ramirez
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
21 upvotes
Brooks Jones
I've lived in Fairview for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Portland, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good healthcare facilities
- The school system scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for couples. Happy to answer more specific questions..
17 upvotes
Skylar Rivera
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cost of living. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
14 upvotes
raised_ezra68
Hot take but I love the pace of life here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 14 years here, that's my honest assessment.
10 upvotes
Nora D.
I've lived in Highland for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Affordable housing options
- The housing market scene is solid
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. Happy to answer more specific questions..
8 upvotes
cincygirl2020
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 5 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
6 upvotes
Carson Walker
I've been living here for 4 years and I'd say it's exactly what I was looking for. The dating scene is pretty good compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
6 upvotes
Riley Hill
honestly same experience here
5 upvotes
Nicholas Long
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely tough and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (West) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
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.
5 upvotes
Lydia A.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 5 years. Moved from Tampa for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. construction 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:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is improving - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Lakewood 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Homeless population growing downtown. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
3 upvotes
Levi Garcia
this is the way
2 upvotes
Samuel Cruz
spot on
1 upvotes
Jace Green
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Greenfield for 13 years. Moved from Minneapolis for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Greenfield schools are tough. 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. Property taxes are high. Far from beaches/mountains. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
1 upvotes
Willow Torres
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 2 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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