Been meaning to ask this. I work in legal and With a population of 47,337, Brea is a smaller city. The suburbs are where most families end up. Is this normal for Brea? Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
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Nevaeh White
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 34, moved here 7 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in East and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The cultural scene situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for retirees. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Raleigh, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.