With a population of 19,478, Arvin is a small town. Average temperature is around 65--F, so the weather is moderate. Poverty rate is 27.0%, which is higher than I expected. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Anyone in a similar situation? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development. The weather takes some getting used to.
2 upvotes
3 Replies
Evelyn S.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 40, moved here 15 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Westside and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The dating scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for singles. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
31 upvotes
Emmett A.
As someone who grew up here, I love the pace of life here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. community vibe used to be much growing but now it's underrated.
30 upvotes
Lily
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Denver and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Midtown. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
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