Curious what people think. I'm originally from St. Louis and You can expect to pay around $2,774 for rent here. Crime rate is something to consider -Aliso Viejo sits at 51.7 per 100K. Homes are going for about $863,800 on average. Poverty rate is 3.0%, which is pretty low. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The suburbs are where most families end up. What neighborhoods would you suggest? Property taxes are high but you get good services. The weather takes some getting used to. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The weather takes some getting used to. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
14 upvotes
6 Replies
Owen K.
Saving this thread
37 upvotes
Scarlett
We moved here with our family and it was the best decision I ever made. Schools in Lakewood area are average. Kids love it here.
29 upvotes
Elijah P.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 12 years. Moved from Atlanta for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up a bit 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:**
consulting is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Meadowbrook schools are excellent. 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. Limited public transit options. Property taxes are high. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
Riley Ward
wish I knew this sooner
16 upvotes
Willow Reed
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 3 years. Moved from Seattle for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. West 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. Winters are long and cold. Not very walkable outside downtown. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
1 upvotes
Daniel R.
Bought a house here in 2020 and I have mixed feelings honestly. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
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