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Nevaeh Rivera
best-worst
Most overrated things about Calexico
Hey, The median home value here is around $281,700, which seems about average.
4 upvotes
15 Replies
Axel
100%
34 upvotes
Logan G.
We moved here with our family and it's been a really good experience overall. Schools in The Heights area are tough. Kids love it here.
34 upvotes
Thomas M.
following this thread
30 upvotes
Leo
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely improving and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Old Town) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely improving and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Old Town) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
29 upvotes
Camila Morris
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 11 years here, that's my honest assessment.
27 upvotes
Eugene P.
preach
27 upvotes
madelyn_heart
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Good luck with whatever you decide..
25 upvotes
Eva W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 31, moved here 10 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in South and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The job market situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for families. challenging 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 Minneapolis, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$120K 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.
Background: I'm a teacher, 31, moved here 10 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in South and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The job market situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for families. challenging 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 Minneapolis, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$120K 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.
24 upvotes
Peyton
The food scene here is hit or miss. Tons of great Mexican places. I genuinely enjoy living here.
19 upvotes
Melanie Torres
not my experience at all
14 upvotes
Eliana
haha yep pretty much
10 upvotes
Angela L.
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: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Cedar Grove. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Cedar Grove. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
10 upvotes
Anna Ross
nah I disagree
10 upvotes
Nevaeh Hall
As someone who grew up here, it's improved dramatically in recent years. A lot has changed in the past few years though. school system used to be much developing but now it's improving.
2 upvotes
Paisley Lee
Came here for retirement and stayed because the quality of life is solid. The public transit is honestly excellent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
0 upvotes