Anyone else feel this way? The unemployment rate is 1.0%, which is pretty low. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Would love some local perspective. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
15 upvotes
8 Replies
Lillian Foster
it depends on the neighborhood
39 upvotes
James M.
yeah no that's not right
38 upvotes
Camila
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 42, moved here 13 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Midtown and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Summers can be brutally hot
3. The weather situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for retirees. tough vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Chicago, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$100K 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.
37 upvotes
Maverick Price
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Feel free to reach out with questions..
23 upvotes
Sadie Richardson
Public transit is better than expected here. You'll probably need a car for most things. the quality of life is solid.
23 upvotes
Katherine M.
seconding this
18 upvotes
Joseph Hernandez
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in Cedar Grove area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
14 upvotes
Elena Nguyen
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely solid and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Downtown) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
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