Should I move to Burlington or stay in Los Angeles?

Kai F. Feb 21, 2026

OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a software engineer, 49, moved here 2 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Downtown and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The food scene situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for singles. tough vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$150K 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.

16 upvotes

Cora M. Feb 25, 2026

bump

7 upvotes