First post here. My partner and I are Average temperature is around 56--F, so the weather is moderate. Rent is about $2,151/month for a decent place. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Has anyone dealt with this? The weather takes some getting used to. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
20 upvotes
12 Replies
Eleanor Perez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 42, moved here 2 years ago from LA. I've lived in Westside and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The safety situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for retirees. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$90K 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.
39 upvotes
Levi
spot on
35 upvotes
Willie R.
Totally agree!
30 upvotes
Jacob G.
good to know, thanks
28 upvotes
Willow Taylor
same here
28 upvotes
Claire Cruz
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
26 upvotes
Luna Young
good to know, thanks
21 upvotes
Grayson Cook
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 42, moved here 13 years ago from LA. I've lived in The Heights and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Affordable housing options
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The housing market situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for young professionals. surprisingly good 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 LA, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $90K-$130K 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.
20 upvotes
Aaron Mitchell
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 32, moved here 5 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Pine Hills and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Close to major attractions
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
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:**
- Pine Hills: Great for young professionals. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$140K 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
alexander_vibes
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 11 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
16 upvotes
Emily Edwards
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 6 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Active local events and festivals
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Limited entertainment options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are manageable, gas is improving.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
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