Curious what people think. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
11 upvotes
13 Replies
Andrew Mitchell
couldn't agree more
37 upvotes
Virginia M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 35, moved here 15 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Maple Ridge and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The walkability situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for young professionals. solid vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Charlotte, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
33 upvotes
Parker Brooks
following this thread
32 upvotes
Victoria R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 15 years. Moved from Austin for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is tough - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset schools are better than expected. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Rising rent and home prices. Urban sprawl is real. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
28 upvotes
Autumn C.
interesting, hadn't considered that
23 upvotes
Theodore Ross
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because I love the pace of life here. The safety is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
23 upvotes
Michael B.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 7 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is job market. 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 tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
20 upvotes
Aubrey Rogers
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I have mixed feelings honestly. Internet is surprisingly good in most areas.
16 upvotes
Bennett H.
As someone who grew up here, it's not perfect but it works for me. A lot has changed in the past few years though. healthcare used to be much reasonable but now it's decent.
12 upvotes
Kennedy W.
lol so true
12 upvotes
Gabriella Martinez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Atlanta about 6 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Affordable housing options
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are pricey, gas is excellent.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Good luck with whatever you decide..
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