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Weston Walker
jobs
Starting a business in Buena Park?
Hey folks, We have two kids and The food scene here is surprisingly good. Am I overthinking this?
13 upvotes
13 Replies
Abigail Evans
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I love the pace of life here.
37 upvotes
Lillian Bailey
I've lived in Springfield for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The school system scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. No regrets on my end..
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The school system scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. No regrets on my end..
37 upvotes
Isaac R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 34, moved here 11 years ago from Houston. I've lived in South and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Limited shopping options
3. The walkability situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for singles. solid vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Houston, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
Background: I'm a contractor, 34, moved here 11 years ago from Houston. I've lived in South and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Limited shopping options
3. The walkability situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for singles. solid vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Houston, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
30 upvotes
Aaron Clark
yep
28 upvotes
Levi Cruz
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 3 years. Moved from Chicago for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2015 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is improving - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside 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. Limited entertainment options. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Westside for 3 years. Moved from Chicago for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2015 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is improving - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside 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. Limited entertainment options. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
Sophia Torres
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from San Francisco about 8 years ago. The main reasons were weather and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good healthcare facilities
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are reasonable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Definitely worth checking out..
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from San Francisco about 8 years ago. The main reasons were weather and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good healthcare facilities
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are reasonable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Definitely worth checking out..
26 upvotes
Greyson A.
Moved here from Boston about 10 years ago. I have mixed feelings honestly. Still getting used to school system but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
25 upvotes
sacramentofan2023
honestly same experience here
19 upvotes
Roman Wood
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 47, moved here 14 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in West and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The safety situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for remote workers. challenging vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $70K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
Background: I'm a chef, 47, moved here 14 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in West and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The safety situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for remote workers. challenging vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $70K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
18 upvotes
wild_julian81
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The safety is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
14 upvotes
Thomas Mendoza
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 15 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Sunset side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
I've been here 15 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Sunset side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
6 upvotes
Paisley Hill
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 52, moved here 10 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Highland and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Property taxes are high
3. The nightlife situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for families. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 San Francisco, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $60K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
Background: I'm a chef, 52, moved here 10 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Highland and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Property taxes are high
3. The nightlife situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for families. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 San Francisco, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $60K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
3 upvotes
Elizabeth Nelson
Weather-wise, the summers are average and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
0 upvotes