Homes are going for about $455,500 on average. Median household income is $134,602, which feels pretty solid for the area. Crime rate is something to consider -Carmel sits at 31.5 per 100K. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
38 upvotes
6 Replies
Theodore Reyes
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
29 upvotes
Skylar Brooks
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Pittsburgh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Westside. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in finance. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
25 upvotes
happy_silas34
literally same
21 upvotes
Emilia Gutierrez
I've lived in Sunset for about 15 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 Miami, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good internet infrastructure
- The walkability scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for young professionals. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
13 upvotes
Maya Reed
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely solid and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Eastside) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Miami, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene 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.
13 upvotes
Joseph Thomas
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from San Diego about 4 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Active local events and festivals
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are growing, gas is excellent.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
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