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Eliana Morales
moving
Remote worker thinking about Bakersfield
Alright, I relocated for work and The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. What would you do?
15 upvotes
29 Replies
Alice Long
interesting, hadn't considered that
39 upvotes
Clara Miller
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Internet is solid in most areas.
37 upvotes
Axel W.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it exceeded my expectations. Compared to Baltimore it's average.
36 upvotes
Easton Gonzalez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 12 years. Moved from Miami for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have lakes 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 challenging. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Homeless population growing downtown. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Sunset for 12 years. Moved from Miami for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have lakes 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 challenging. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Homeless population growing downtown. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Sophie Cooper
this is the way
33 upvotes
Mackenzie Evans
I've been living here for 5 years and I'd say I have mixed feelings honestly. The nightlife is pretty good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
33 upvotes
lake_bennett95
Bought a house here in 2017 and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
30 upvotes
Connor T.
I've been living here for 6 years and I'd say I genuinely enjoy living here. The pet-friendliness is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
27 upvotes
andrew_girl
I'm a electrician and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. The community is average and there's always something going on.
26 upvotes
Ezra Taylor
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is outdoor recreation. it was the best decision I ever made. Worth doing your research before committing.
25 upvotes
Charlotte Mendoza
I've been living here for 3 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor recreation is improving compared to other places I've lived. Overall Happy to answer more specific questions..
25 upvotes
Luke Scott
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I love the pace of life here. No regrets on my end..
23 upvotes
Declan Sanders
100%
23 upvotes
Julian T.
this is the way
22 upvotes
Jennifer T.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Austin and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Riverside. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in consulting. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Definitely worth checking out..
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Riverside. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in consulting. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Definitely worth checking out..
22 upvotes
Parker Gonzalez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 13 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into running, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
I've been here 13 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into running, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
21 upvotes
vegas_caroline
Used to live on the Midtown side, now on the West side. Completely different vibe. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
20 upvotes
Ann W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 55, moved here 4 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in South and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The nightlife situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for young professionals. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 55, moved here 4 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in South and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The nightlife situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for young professionals. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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
Steven C.
I've been living here for 3 years and I'd say it was the best decision I ever made. The community vibe is pretty good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
17 upvotes
Isabella Jackson
honestly same experience here
15 upvotes
Joseph Rogers
As someone who grew up here, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. A lot has changed in the past few years though. cost of living used to be much developing but now it's excellent.
15 upvotes
Mason T.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 37, moved here 10 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Highland and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Close to major attractions
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The dating scene situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for families. tough vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $50K-$110K 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.
Background: I'm a nurse, 37, moved here 10 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Highland and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Close to major attractions
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The dating scene situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for families. tough vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $50K-$110K 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.
14 upvotes
Lydia
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 2 years. Moved from New York for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is surprisingly 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. Highland schools are challenging. 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 healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Highland for 2 years. Moved from New York for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is surprisingly 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. Highland schools are challenging. 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 healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
13 upvotes
Declan H.
yep
13 upvotes
Ezekiel Moore
Weather-wise, the summers are underrated and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
10 upvotes
Luna R.
As someone who grew up here, it's improved dramatically in recent years. A lot has changed in the past few years though. safety used to be much affordable but now it's decent.
9 upvotes
Genesis Green
glad someone said it
5 upvotes
Aaron Moore
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from LA about 10 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Decent public transit for the size
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are affordable, gas is underrated.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
I'm a nurse who relocated here from LA about 10 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Decent public transit for the size
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are affordable, gas is underrated.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
5 upvotes
Parker P.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 57, moved here 8 years ago from LA. I've lived in Pine Hills and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Active local events and festivals
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The nightlife situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for families. tough vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 LA, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 57, moved here 8 years ago from LA. I've lived in Pine Hills and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Active local events and festivals
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The nightlife situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for families. tough vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 LA, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
5 upvotes