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Lydia P. jobs

Is Avenal worth it salary-wise?

Hi all, Rent is about $1,060/month for a decent place. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Would love some local perspective. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
3 upvotes

5 Replies

Brittany C.
I'm a HR manager and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
28 upvotes
Isabelle Sanchez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Highland for 11 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.

**Employment:**
real estate 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:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Highland schools are hit or miss. 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. Property taxes are high. Chain restaurants dominate. And nightlife can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
Ruby Peterson
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
23 upvotes
Charlotte Rogers
I've lived in Sunset for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.

it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.

A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Strong job market in several industries
- The nightlife scene is surprisingly good

The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Far from beaches/mountains

Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. Definitely worth checking out..
17 upvotes
orlandoguy2021
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.

I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Seattle about 2 years ago. The main reasons were family and a fresh start.

Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Four distinct seasons
- Good airport with direct flights

Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Not a lot of cultural diversity

Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are manageable, gas is average.

Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Good luck with whatever you decide..
17 upvotes
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