So, My partner and I are It's a a smaller city city with about 57,702 people. The unemployment rate is 2.3%, which is pretty low. With a population of 57,702, Bel Air South is a smaller city. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The weather takes some getting used to. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
10 upvotes
14 Replies
Mason C.
We moved here with our family and I genuinely enjoy living here. Schools in Riverside area are tough. Kids love it here.
31 upvotes
Grace C.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is pet-friendliness. the quality of life is solid. Worth doing your research before committing.
27 upvotes
Stella Gomez
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 13 years here, that's my honest assessment.
26 upvotes
Adrian Anderson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Baltimore about 6 years ago. The main reasons were weather and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Strong job market in several industries
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are affordable, gas is solid.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
25 upvotes
Stella Ross
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely tough and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (East) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
24 upvotes
Matthew M.
We moved here with our family and I genuinely enjoy living here. Schools in Downtown area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
20 upvotes
Samuel Long
As someone who grew up here, the quality of life is solid. A lot has changed in the past few years though. public transit used to be much wild but now it's excellent.
20 upvotes
Zoey Rivera
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely improving and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Highland) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
19 upvotes
Adeline Gutierrez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely hit or miss and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Bugs and humidity in summer.
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.
17 upvotes
Isaac M.
100%
15 upvotes
vegas_ellie
not my experience at all
15 upvotes
loving_jeremiah78
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Tampa about 14 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Active local events and festivals
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are developing, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Good luck with whatever you decide..
11 upvotes
Sophia Mendoza
I've been living here for 7 years and I'd say it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor recreation is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
5 upvotes
Isabelle Scott
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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