Hello, Poverty rate is 10.5%, which is around average. Homes are going for about $419,700 on average. It's a a small town city with about 16,739 people. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Worth the trade-offs? The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The suburbs are where most families end up. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
12 upvotes
11 Replies
Ruby C.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely average and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (West) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
37 upvotes
Benjamin B.
nah I disagree
37 upvotes
John C.
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
37 upvotes
Michael Bennett
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The traffic is honestly better than expected and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
36 upvotes
Levi
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it was the best decision I ever made.
33 upvotes
bostonwalker2022
Saving this thread
33 upvotes
Raymond M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 31, moved here 15 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Eastside and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The cost of living situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for retirees. decent vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 San Francisco, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $70K-$80K 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.
30 upvotes
Harper Myers
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 48, moved here 13 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Uptown and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Affordable housing options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The nightlife situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for singles. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Raleigh, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $80K-$110K 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.
26 upvotes
Ariana Ruiz
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from San Francisco and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Highland. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in engineering. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
25 upvotes
Alexander Bennett
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is outdoor recreation. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Worth doing your research before committing.
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