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miamikid2022 housing

Rent vs buy in Cathedral City -what makes sense?

Hey folks, Been living here since 2020. The unemployment rate is 3.9%, which is pretty low. Rent is about $1,554/month for a decent place. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The city has invested a lot in new development. Is this normal for Cathedral City? Appreciate any input. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
7 upvotes

7 Replies

Josiah Brooks
same here
40 upvotes
Audrey Gray
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in South for 14 years. Moved from Portland for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.

**Employment:**
government is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South 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. Limited high-paying job options. Chain restaurants dominate. And housing market can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Audrey Murphy
I've lived in Fairview for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.

I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.

A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The weather scene is challenging

The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Road conditions need improvement

Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. Feel free to reach out with questions..
30 upvotes
Aaliyah Lopez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a contractor, 46, moved here 6 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Oak Park and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The public transit situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for families. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$150K here.

**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
26 upvotes
Ezra
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Boston 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 Uptown. It's underrated for what you get.

Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in real estate. If you're in finance you might struggle.

People: Generally underrated. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.

Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Indian.

Hope this helps!.
15 upvotes
Noah Reed
hard disagree but ok
13 upvotes
cincy_dylan
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Maple Ridge for 5 years. Moved from Raleigh for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.

**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is decent - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Maple Ridge schools are decent. 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. Limited public transit options. Nightlife is limited. And healthcare can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
1 upvotes
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