Crime rate is something to consider -Big Bear Lake sits at 854.7 per 100K. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Is this normal for Big Bear Lake? Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The weather takes some getting used to. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
0 upvotes
15 Replies
Jacob Martinez
following this thread
38 upvotes
Cameron Lopez
Bought a house here in 2023 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
32 upvotes
Chloe
Bought a house here in 2015 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
28 upvotes
Miles O.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. the quality of life is solid. Internet is better than expected in most areas.
27 upvotes
Nolan Walker
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Greenfield for 10 years. Moved from Houston for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is improving - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Greenfield 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. Property taxes are high. Limited entertainment options. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
Riley Torres
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely pretty good and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Pine Hills) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
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.
23 upvotes
Harper Mitchell
Totally agree!
21 upvotes
Sophia Harris
Came here for cost of living and stayed because it exceeded my expectations. The public transit is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
21 upvotes
Kennedy R.
My experience has been mostly positive. the quality of life is solid. The only thing I'd watch out for is food scene. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
14 upvotes
Gabriella Myers
yep
12 upvotes
mountain_elijah38
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 12 years. Moved from Houston for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is better than expected - 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. Riverside schools are excellent. 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 very walkable outside downtown. Homeless population growing downtown. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
10 upvotes
Sophia Brooks
literally same
9 upvotes
Mateo Martin
+1
7 upvotes
Kennedy Jackson
I'm a nurse and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. The community is solid and there's always something going on.
6 upvotes
Leah Morgan
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely hit or miss and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (North) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Pittsburgh, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
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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