Longtime lurker here, I'm originally from San Diego and Poverty rate is 14.4%, which is around average. Homes are going for about $106,700 on average. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Am I overthinking this?
6 upvotes
15 Replies
true_nevaeh8
this is the way
37 upvotes
Jameson Gomez
Totally agree!
35 upvotes
Reagan Lopez
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
34 upvotes
Valentina Carter
thanks for sharing
32 upvotes
Emma Richardson
As someone who grew up here, I love the pace of life here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. weather used to be much stable but now it's underrated.
30 upvotes
Delilah H.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 8 years. Moved from Portland for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. retail 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 underrated - 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. Downtown schools are excellent. 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. Winters are long and cold. Bugs and humidity in summer. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
29 upvotes
raleigh_elijah
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's not perfect but it works for me. Internet is challenging in most areas.
27 upvotes
Isabella Bailey
I've lived in Westside for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Good airport with direct flights
- The dating scene scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. Feel free to reach out with questions..
25 upvotes
Quinn Anderson
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. the quality of life is solid. Compared to Atlanta it's hit or miss.
21 upvotes
Hunter Bailey
same here
18 upvotes
Jackson A.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 30, moved here 9 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Lakewood and Fairview, 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. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The traffic situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for retirees. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $50K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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
Karen M.
great question, following
16 upvotes
Andrew Jimenez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 4 years. Moved from Chicago for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2015 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East 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. Limited public transit options. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
Melissa D.
wish I knew this sooner
3 upvotes
David Johnson
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want nightlife, then yeah this place is great. But if job market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
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