Random thought, We have two kids and Household incomes average around $52,857 in Center Line. Poverty rate is 5.9%, which is pretty low. The weather takes some getting used to. Am I overthinking this? The food scene here is surprisingly good. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
2 upvotes
10 Replies
Violet R.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
36 upvotes
portland_caroline
spot on
32 upvotes
Elizabeth G.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 2 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
24 upvotes
Jonathan
My experience has been mostly positive. I have mixed feelings honestly. The only thing I'd watch out for is walkability. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..
23 upvotes
Elena Sanchez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely average and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Sunset) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare 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.
22 upvotes
Amy G.
Can confirm, been here 13 years.
22 upvotes
Andrew Myers
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 7 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Lots of new development happening
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Dating scene is rough
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are manageable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
18 upvotes
Camila G.
accurate
18 upvotes
Lydia G.
I'm a nurse and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
11 upvotes
Grace Foster
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 27, moved here 4 years ago from LA. I've lived in Riverside and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The pet-friendliness situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for singles. 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 LA, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
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