Hey everyone, Been living here since 2009. Rent is about $1,454/month for a decent place. Crime rate is something to consider -Big Bear City sits at 1,431.0 per 100K. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. What would you do? Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
5 upvotes
7 Replies
Mackenzie C.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
21 upvotes
Sarah White
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want community vibe, then yeah this place is great. But if food scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
20 upvotes
urban_melanie64
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 54, moved here 6 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Sunset and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Great outdoor activities nearby
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The nightlife situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for retirees. tough vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Seattle, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
20 upvotes
Anna Howard
spot on
12 upvotes
Isaac King
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want community vibe, then yeah this place is great. But if safety matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
9 upvotes
Aiden L.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Seattle about 6 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are growing, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
7 upvotes
Declan Morgan
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 45, moved here 12 years ago from Miami. I've lived in East and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The dating scene situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for retirees. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Miami, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $50K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
All Countries
