OK so I'm a 52-year-old restaurant manager and Should I be concerned?
53 upvotes
20 Replies
orlandoguy2024
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 50, moved here 14 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Four distinct seasons
2. Close to major attractions
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The weather situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for singles. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 pricey. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
37 upvotes
Carter R.
Public transit is challenging here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it was the best decision I ever made.
37 upvotes
Benjamin Turner
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
35 upvotes
Allison Lopez
big facts right here
34 upvotes
Gabriella
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 3 years ago. The main reasons were family and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are stable, gas is excellent.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Feel free to reach out with questions..
29 upvotes
Maverick Hill
Public transit is hit or miss here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
25 upvotes
Nevaeh Ortiz
I've been living here for 10 years and I'd say I genuinely enjoy living here. The dating scene is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
24 upvotes
Eliana M.
Moved here from Miami about 9 years ago. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Still getting used to housing market but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
24 upvotes
Roman Cooper
good to know, thanks
17 upvotes
Jacob Kelly
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 7 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
16 upvotes
Gabriella Sanchez
Moved here last year, no regrets.
15 upvotes
sophie_local
I'm a accountant and I've found it exceeded my expectations. The community is solid and there's always something going on.
14 upvotes
Aiden Mitchell
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 9 years. Moved from Phoenix for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is tough - 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. East schools are improving. 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 very walkable outside downtown. Dating scene is rough. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
13 upvotes
desert_riley39
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Affordable housing options
- The weather scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
12 upvotes
Luca Thompson
glad someone said it
10 upvotes
la_joshua
facts
10 upvotes
Thomas Gutierrez
nah I disagree
9 upvotes
Genesis Campbell
Public transit is pretty good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
8 upvotes
Aaron P.
Moved here from Phoenix about 7 years ago. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Still getting used to job market but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
7 upvotes
sf_jack
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Pine Hills for 2 years. Moved from Houston for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. consulting 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:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is pretty good - 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. Pine Hills 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 public transit options. Winters are long and cold. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.