Random thought, Military spouse here. With a population of 13,441, Avenal is a small town. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
1 upvotes
14 Replies
charlotte_jeremiah
I've lived in East for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Close to major attractions
- The pet-friendliness scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Urban sprawl is real
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. Hope this helps!.
39 upvotes
Brielle
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in The Heights for 10 years. Moved from Austin for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly 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:**
finance is strong here. marketing 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:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. The Heights schools are improving. 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. Bugs and humidity in summer. Far from beaches/mountains. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Roman Jones
Moved here last year, no regrets.
38 upvotes
willow_girl
Came here for work and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community vibe is honestly surprisingly good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
34 upvotes
Aria Morales
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 5 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
31 upvotes
Leo Patel
Public transit is better than expected here. You'll probably need a car for most things. the quality of life is solid.
28 upvotes
Kayden
Bought a house here in 2015 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone about the same since then.
24 upvotes
Benjamin
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Compared to Miami it's improving.
24 upvotes
Noah W.
literally same
22 upvotes
Riley Alvarez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 41, moved here 15 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The cost of living situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for families. underrated 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 Denver, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$70K 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.
17 upvotes
Elena Gonzalez
Used to live on the Highland side, now on the Old Town side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
12 upvotes
Claire
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because it's been a really good experience overall. The public transit is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
10 upvotes
Landon
good to know, thanks
9 upvotes
Pamela R.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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