Life in Camp Pendleton South as a young professional
OK so Just moved here 16 months ago and Crime rate is something to consider -Camp Pendleton South sits at 374.5 per 100K. Poverty rate is 5.0%, which is pretty low. The unemployment rate is 5.3%, which is about average. Rent is about $2,947/month for a decent place. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
Pros:
- Great weather
- Diverse community
- Plenty of shopping options
- Good airport connections
Cons:
- Traffic can be terrible
- Lack of diversity
- Boring for young people
- Far from major airports
- Homelessness issues downtown
Looking forward to hearing from you all. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The weather takes some getting used to. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
5 upvotes
15 Replies
Lori C.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in East. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in legal. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
38 upvotes
Addison Y.
My experience has been mostly positive. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The only thing I'd watch out for is school system. Other than that, It's not for everyone but it works for us..
37 upvotes
Thomas W.
I've lived in Old Town for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- The healthcare scene is decent
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for young professionals. Good luck with whatever you decide..
34 upvotes
Kayden Thomas
honestly same experience here
33 upvotes
kennedy_local
bump
33 upvotes
austin_david
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Austin and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Downtown. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in consulting. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like sushi.
No regrets on my end..
31 upvotes
Betty G.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I'm still on the fence after all this time. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
23 upvotes
Greyson Flores
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 55, moved here 6 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Oak Park and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The weather situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for remote workers. tough vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $90K-$140K 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.
22 upvotes
Skylar Howard
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 36, moved here 11 years ago from LA. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The cultural scene situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for couples. hit or miss 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 LA, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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
Everly Kim
hard disagree but ok
13 upvotes
Hazel R.
Moved here from Seattle about 15 years ago. it's not perfect but it works for me. Still getting used to cost of living but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
13 upvotes
Ella Lee
Moved here last year, no regrets.
11 upvotes
George G.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely hit or miss and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Downtown) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Limited shopping 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.
7 upvotes
Dennis R.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Boston 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 North. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like seafood.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
4 upvotes
Kimberly L.
Came here for school and stayed because the quality of life is solid. The outdoor recreation is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
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