Anyone else feel this way? I'm a teacher here and Poverty rate is 2.7%, which is pretty low. The median home value here is around $202,600, which is actually reasonable. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
10 upvotes
12 Replies
Ariana Thompson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (North) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
36 upvotes
Hailey D.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is healthcare. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
36 upvotes
Reagan Cook
been saying this for years
33 upvotes
Aiden Rodriguez
been saying this for years
33 upvotes
Everett Ruiz
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from San Francisco about 2 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are reasonable, gas is challenging.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. No regrets on my end..
29 upvotes
Cora Alvarez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 41, moved here 13 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Westside and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Active local events and festivals
2. Close to major attractions
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The traffic situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for young professionals. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Phoenix, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
20 upvotes
Wyatt Rogers
Bought a house here in 2016 and I genuinely enjoy living here. Property values have gone about the same since then.
18 upvotes
Ian O.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. No regrets on my end..
12 upvotes
Aaron Sanders
The food scene here is challenging. Tons of great seafood places. it's exactly what I was looking for.
11 upvotes
Lydia Allen
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
8 upvotes
Lucy Morales
noted, appreciate it
7 upvotes
Amber R.
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in Sunset area are solid. Kids love it here.
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