Bring a gas mask. No kidding. In the past 2 months there have been warnings to stay indoors on my cell phone.  I trust you are in good shape if you plan to live there for a year.

I  worked there last year for a full academic term. There are some good places to go for entertainment and food.  Both Chinese and western.  There are a large number of foreigners, both western and Asian.

The smog takes away the awesomeness.

it's not a good place to go . went there once , totally disappointed . Shijiazhuang is famous because it is the worst provincial capital in China.  

from 

A Chinese guy from Hebei province 

the downside will come depending on which your location; in the inner ring road, or in the countryside. Do not try to take a taxi during rush hour. You will have to haggle. SJZ has a Walmart and a Carrefour. The cost of living is less than most capital cities in China.

Pros: Cost of living is low. Some decent bars and Western restaurants.

Cons: Pollution, grey skies, too cold in winter, too hot in summer.