Longtime lurker here, I work in media and Is this normal for Allen? Thanks! It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
51 upvotes
9 Replies
Eva Smith
not my experience at all
38 upvotes
Sofia
big facts right here
35 upvotes
Isaiah Morgan
underrated comment
34 upvotes
Samuel Cook
Bought a house here in 2021 and the quality of life is solid. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
31 upvotes
Oliver
wish I knew this sooner
25 upvotes
Sebastian Parker
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Austin and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Sunset. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in education. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Asian.
Definitely worth checking out..
18 upvotes
dallasguy2020
I've lived in Sunset for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The nightlife scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. Happy to answer more specific questions..
10 upvotes
Aaliyah R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 28, moved here 4 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in The Heights and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The nightlife situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for retirees. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Chicago, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $70K-$100K 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.
4 upvotes
Elena Sanchez
Bought a house here in 2015 and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Property values have gone up significantly since then.