Hello, Military spouse here. Average temperature is around 60--F, so the weather is moderate. Rent is about $2,713/month for a decent place. The city has invested a lot in new development. The weather takes some getting used to. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
12 upvotes
5 Replies
Nova Richardson
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 10 years here, that's my honest assessment.
20 upvotes
nola_everly
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 34, moved here 14 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Oak Park and The Heights, 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. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The walkability situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for families. challenging 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 underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $70K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
17 upvotes
sf_nathan
great question, following
12 upvotes
Camila K.
Public transit is excellent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
8 upvotes
Savannah Lopez
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I love the pace of life here. Internet is pretty good in most areas.
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