Hello, My family moved here when I was a kid. The unemployment rate is 1.7%, which is pretty low. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Am I overthinking this?
22 upvotes
9 Replies
Hannah M.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely average and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Riverside) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. weather 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.
39 upvotes
Leah Jones
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Nashville about 12 years ago. The main reasons were family and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are pricey, gas is excellent.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
25 upvotes
Dylan F.
100%
24 upvotes
Nathan Price
seconding this
24 upvotes
Leah Gomez
noted, appreciate it
18 upvotes
Isla C.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
18 upvotes
Jayden Ruiz
I'm a HR manager and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. The community is average and there's always something going on.
13 upvotes
Madeline
Moved here last year, no regrets.
7 upvotes
Lucas Lopez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 10 years. Moved from Denver for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up a bit 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:**
consulting is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is solid - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset schools are pretty good. 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. Road conditions need improvement. Homeless population growing downtown. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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