Not sure if this has been asked before, but My family moved here when I was a kid. Homes are going for about $1,351,100 on average. Median household income is $108,558, which feels pretty solid for the area. It's a a mid-size city city with about 120K people. Rent is about $2,127/month for a decent place. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. What neighborhoods would you suggest? Thanks for reading. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much.
40 upvotes
11 Replies
Amelia Mitchell
Came here for cost of living and stayed because it's been a really good experience overall. The community vibe is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
38 upvotes
Isabella Rogers
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 4 years here, that's my honest assessment.
32 upvotes
Katherine Gutierrez
Public transit is solid here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
29 upvotes
Carolyn C.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Tampa about 12 years ago. The main reasons were school and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Affordable housing options
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are pricey, gas is tough.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
26 upvotes
Pamela B.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 4 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
22 upvotes
Maverick Jimenez
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Good luck with whatever you decide..
17 upvotes
Cooper Scott
I've lived in Sunset for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Salt Lake City, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good schools in most areas
- The community vibe scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for families. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
15 upvotes
Adrian Young
Used to live on the Old Town side, now on the Fairview side. Completely different vibe. I love the pace of life here.
10 upvotes
Katherine
interesting, hadn't considered that
5 upvotes
Ellie Evans
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely average and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Uptown) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene 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.
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