Alright, Household incomes average around $137,970 in Aliso Viejo. It's a a smaller city city with about 51,320 people. Crime rate is something to consider -Aliso Viejo sits at 51.7 per 100K. Rent is about $2,774/month for a decent place. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
15 upvotes
7 Replies
Amanda B.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 40, moved here 12 years ago from New York. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Property taxes are high
3. The walkability situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for retirees. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 New York, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
38 upvotes
Ariana Harris
We moved here with our family and the quality of life is solid. Schools in Oak Park area are better than expected. Kids love it here.
35 upvotes
Weston
Moved here from Nashville about 3 years ago. it exceeded my expectations. Still getting used to safety but No regrets on my end..
35 upvotes
Matthew P.
I'm a HR manager and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is underrated and there's always something going on.
28 upvotes
Claire Jimenez
hmm interesting perspective
9 upvotes
Chloe Mitchell
Moved here from Pittsburgh about 15 years ago. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Still getting used to dating scene but No regrets on my end..