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Jonathan T. jobs

Berea job market vs Los Angeles

First post here. What are your go-to spots? The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
0 upvotes

10 Replies

Abigail R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in The Heights for 11 years. Moved from Chicago for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.

**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. The Heights schools are tough. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Bugs and humidity in summer. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
Lucas
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.

I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Tampa about 7 years ago. The main reasons were weather and school.

Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Low crime in most neighborhoods

Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Rising rent and home prices

Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are reasonable, gas is surprisingly good.

Socially, I love the pace of life here. Definitely worth checking out..
32 upvotes
Levi B.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Meadowbrook for 12 years. Moved from LA for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.

**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Meadowbrook schools are average. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Limited high-paying job options. And nightlife can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
28 upvotes
Nicholas M.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
26 upvotes
Theodore Rodriguez
Bought a house here in 2023 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone about the same since then.
21 upvotes
Emily C.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.

If you value walkability, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely average and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Westside) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.

But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Road conditions need improvement.

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.
16 upvotes
Colton Gutierrez
yeah no that's not right
9 upvotes
Carson W.
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.
8 upvotes
Austin R.
following this thread
3 upvotes
river_theodore84
honestly same experience here
1 upvotes
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