First post here. I'm a remote worker and Poverty rate is 8.7%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $72,163, which feels about average for the area. Homes are going for about $203,900 on average. Rent is about $1,141/month for a decent place. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
13 upvotes
13 Replies
Lucas
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Boston about 14 years ago. The main reasons were work and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are affordable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
38 upvotes
Kai Sanders
Totally agree!
36 upvotes
Ariana Collins
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in Downtown area are decent. Kids love it here.
35 upvotes
Serenity A.
as a local I can confirm
33 upvotes
Zoe Mendoza
wish I knew this sooner
33 upvotes
Autumn P.
I've lived in East for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Lots of new development happening
- Four distinct seasons
- The school system scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. No regrets on my end..
23 upvotes
Miles Price
as a local I can confirm
22 upvotes
Frances M.
This.
22 upvotes
Autumn W.
hmm interesting perspective
19 upvotes
portland_cooper
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 48, moved here 7 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The outdoor recreation situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for singles. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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
Everett G.
not my experience at all
17 upvotes
Asher Hernandez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 3 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
6 upvotes
Carter Sanders
Moved here from Salt Lake City about 10 years ago. it exceeded my expectations. Still getting used to outdoor recreation but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
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