Hi all, I work in consulting and Rent is about $867/month for a decent place. Median household income is $49,377, which feels on the lower side for the area. Household incomes average around $49,377 in Auburn. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Thanks in advance! The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The weather takes some getting used to. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The city has invested a lot in new development.
29 upvotes
2 Replies
Rylee Perez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 39, moved here 3 years ago from Austin. I've lived in West and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The housing market situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for couples. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 Austin, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$100K 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.
18 upvotes
Sarah Richardson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 2 years. Moved from Denver for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset schools are solid. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Chain restaurants dominate. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.