Hi all, I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Crime rate is something to consider -Calabasas sits at 145.7 per 100K. Average temperature is around 66--F, so the weather is moderate. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Should I be concerned? TIA! Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
6 upvotes
8 Replies
Julia C.
Bought a house here in 2017 and I love the pace of life here. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
39 upvotes
Melanie Taylor
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. I have mixed feelings honestly. Compared to Atlanta it's underrated.
33 upvotes
Arianna
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's not perfect but it works for me. No regrets on my end..
29 upvotes
Axel Hernandez
The food scene here is improving. Tons of great Mediterranean places. it's exactly what I was looking for.
29 upvotes
Luca Robinson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 4 years. Moved from Phoenix for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2024 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. finance 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:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is improving - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown schools are improving. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Can feel isolated. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
25 upvotes
Landon Mitchell
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 54, moved here 13 years ago from LA. I've lived in Uptown and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The pet-friendliness situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for young professionals. challenging 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 LA, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
21 upvotes
Miles Reyes
Hot take but the quality of life is solid. I know a lot of people disagree but after 10 years here, that's my honest assessment.
10 upvotes
Grace Ward
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Charlotte about 1 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good healthcare facilities
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are wild, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Happy to answer more specific questions..