Anyone else feel this way? Homes are going for about $176,300 on average. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Am I overthinking this?
14 upvotes
7 Replies
Eleanor Taylor
I work in legal here and it was the best decision I ever made. The job market for my field is better than expected. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
38 upvotes
Gabriella Ward
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely tough and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
23 upvotes
Daniel R.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Portland and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Greenfield. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in legal. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
22 upvotes
Joseph Jackson
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
20 upvotes
Daniel Turner
+1
20 upvotes
Xavier Reed
hard disagree but ok
18 upvotes
boston_cooper
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 55, moved here 2 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in West and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The outdoor recreation situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for families. surprisingly 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 Atlanta, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$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.
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