Hi all, I'm retired and Homes are going for about $285,700 on average. Poverty rate is 5.6%, which is pretty low. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The city has invested a lot in new development. Am I wrong here? The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
14 upvotes
14 Replies
John Torres
Hot take but the quality of life is solid. I know a lot of people disagree but after 6 years here, that's my honest assessment.
38 upvotes
Eva Watson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 48, moved here 2 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Westside and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The dating scene situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for families. solid vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Seattle, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$120K 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.
37 upvotes
hudson_vibes
Came here for cost of living and stayed because it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor recreation is honestly underrated and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
35 upvotes
Camila Mendoza
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 9 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is solid - 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 solid. 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. Winters are long and cold. Limited shopping options. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Nicholas H.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely better than expected and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Downtown) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Miami, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Can feel isolated.
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.
31 upvotes
Oliver Ortiz
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it's been a really good experience overall. Compared to Austin it's hit or miss.
30 upvotes
Melanie Lopez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 57, moved here 13 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Pine Hills and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The community vibe situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for young professionals. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 Denver, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
28 upvotes
Leo Williams
Totally agree!
16 upvotes
Evan Lopez
Weather-wise, the summers are underrated and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
15 upvotes
lalover2022
Public transit is excellent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
15 upvotes
Claire R.
been saying this for years
6 upvotes
Charlotte Kelly
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I love the pace of life here. Compared to LA it's improving.
6 upvotes
Robert Foster
Used to live on the Highland side, now on the Greenfield side. Completely different vibe. I have mixed feelings honestly.
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