Considering Amsterdam vs Los Angeles -help me decide
Curious what people think. Poverty rate is 16.0%, which is higher than I expected. Average temperature is around 46--F, so expect cold winters. Rent is about $955/month for a decent place. With a population of 18,162, Amsterdam is a small town. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The city has invested a lot in new development. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
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Victoria Evans
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 30, moved here 13 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Sunset and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The outdoor recreation situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for couples. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Portland, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $100K-$100K 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.
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