Born and raised here. Poverty rate is 5.7%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $106,728, which feels pretty solid for the area. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Am I wrong here? The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
1 upvotes
7 Replies
lafan2021
facts
40 upvotes
Jeremiah Rodriguez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 58, moved here 3 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Meadowbrook and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The cost of living situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for retirees. tough 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 tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
36 upvotes
Evelyn Evans
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in Uptown area are tough. Kids love it here.
35 upvotes
Evan S.
I've lived in West for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The healthcare scene is improving
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. Good luck with whatever you decide..
24 upvotes
Lucy Thompson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 54, moved here 7 years ago from LA. I've lived in Midtown and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The pet-friendliness situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for young professionals. excellent vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 LA, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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
Cooper Young
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from New York and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Midtown. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in legal. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
14 upvotes
Christian A.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Pittsburgh, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Limited public transit 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.
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