Hey, I'm retired and Poverty rate is 11.0%, which is around average. The unemployment rate is 4.4%, which is about average. Average temperature is around 48--F, so expect cold winters. Crime rate is something to consider -Big Bear City sits at 1,431.0 per 100K. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. What are your go-to spots? The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The weather takes some getting used to. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
1 upvotes
10 Replies
Henry Scott
Used to live on the Uptown side, now on the South side. Completely different vibe. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
38 upvotes
Serenity Gray
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 7 years. Moved from New York for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is tough - 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. North 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. Winters are long and cold. Limited entertainment options. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Aubrey Hall
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 44, moved here 9 years ago from New York. I've lived in Midtown and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Diverse dining options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The school system situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for remote workers. improving vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 New York, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
35 upvotes
Colton Taylor
great question, following
30 upvotes
Sophia W.
not my experience at all
28 upvotes
Sophie
My experience has been mostly positive. I have mixed feelings honestly. The only thing I'd watch out for is healthcare. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
28 upvotes
Adeline Hughes
wish I knew this sooner
23 upvotes
Leah Scott
haha yep pretty much
14 upvotes
Christian Patel
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
12 upvotes
Cora Nelson
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want job market, then yeah this place is great. But if walkability matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
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