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Sofia M. moving

What to expect moving to Bel Air North?

Anyone else feel this way? I relocated for work and Median household income is $137,995, which feels pretty solid for the area. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The weather takes some getting used to. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
14 upvotes

9 Replies

Ava Garcia
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a writer, 36, moved here 15 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Westside and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Close to major attractions
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The job market situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for families. decent 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 Denver, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$70K here.

**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
38 upvotes
Alexa Adams
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Westside for 6 years. Moved from Denver for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2020 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:**
tech is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. 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. Westside schools are pretty good. 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 high-paying job options. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
37 upvotes
Charlotte R.
The food scene here is solid. Tons of great Mediterranean places. it's been a really good experience overall.
35 upvotes
Chloe Ward
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Compared to Nashville it's underrated.
20 upvotes
Valentina J.
100%
14 upvotes
sacramentokid2021
I've been living here for 8 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The food scene is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
8 upvotes
Lillian G.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's not perfect but it works for me. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
7 upvotes
Ava
This.
7 upvotes
Asher M.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cultural scene, then yeah this place is great. But if outdoor recreation matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
4 upvotes
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