We have two kids and The unemployment rate is 2.6%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $69,912, which feels about average for the area. Poverty rate is 8.4%, which is pretty low. Crime rate is something to consider -Bel Air sits at 209.4 per 100K. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
10 upvotes
12 Replies
Maria W.
honestly same experience here
40 upvotes
nyc_eli
Totally agree!
33 upvotes
Gabriel Wright
preach
33 upvotes
Eleanor Stewart
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely tough and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Sunset) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Chain restaurants dominate.
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.
31 upvotes
Ezekiel Wilson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from San Francisco about 9 years ago. The main reasons were work and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Lots of new development happening
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are competitive, gas is better than expected.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. No regrets on my end..
29 upvotes
Sofia Wright
it depends on the neighborhood
28 upvotes
Clara Hall
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Chicago about 10 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Lots of new development happening
- Active local events and festivals
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are developing, gas is excellent.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Definitely worth checking out..
23 upvotes
Jason O.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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