Longtime lurker here, I'm a remote worker and Crime rate is something to consider -Buena Park sits at 297.7 per 100K. The city has invested a lot in new development. The city has invested a lot in new development. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
16 upvotes
16 Replies
leonardo_runner
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Internet is better than expected in most areas.
36 upvotes
orlandoguy2024
spot on
34 upvotes
Kayden Cook
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
30 upvotes
Lillian Peterson
Hot take but I love the pace of life here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 9 years here, that's my honest assessment.
29 upvotes
Nancy A.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from San Francisco and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Fairview. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in real estate. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
29 upvotes
Aubrey
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in The Heights for 2 years. Moved from Baltimore for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is underrated - 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. The Heights schools are solid. 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. Limited high-paying job options. Dating scene is rough. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
Reagan R.
Bought a house here in 2023 and I love the pace of life here. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
24 upvotes
Carter B.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 13 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
23 upvotes
Nova Martinez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Minneapolis about 6 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good healthcare facilities
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are wild, gas is solid.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
21 upvotes
Landon Turner
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
19 upvotes
Kenneth P.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it's been a really good experience overall. Compared to Portland it's solid.
18 upvotes
Kaylee F.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is food scene. the quality of life is solid. Worth doing your research before committing.
11 upvotes
Lydia Morris
As someone who grew up here, it was the best decision I ever made. A lot has changed in the past few years though. traffic used to be much wild but now it's decent.
10 upvotes
Kennedy Lee
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Phoenix about 3 years ago. The main reasons were weather and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good internet infrastructure
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Urban sprawl is real
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are competitive, gas is underrated.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Hope this helps!.
8 upvotes
Savannah Robinson
I've been living here for 15 years and I'd say it's exactly what I was looking for. The school system is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
2 upvotes
Luke Lopez
Hot take but I'm still on the fence after all this time. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
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