Not sure if this has been asked before, but I've been here for 18 years and Household incomes average around $81,500 in Centerville. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
1 upvotes
10 Replies
Thomas Cook
following this thread
40 upvotes
Brenda P.
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
37 upvotes
Mateo Turner
Hot take but it's exactly what I was looking for. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
34 upvotes
Samantha R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 10 years. Moved from New York for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Limited high-paying job options. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
Mason Collins
thanks for sharing
29 upvotes
Sebastian Green
Public transit is excellent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
22 upvotes
proud_benjamin31
seconding this
20 upvotes
Danielle P.
I've lived in Downtown for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Active local events and festivals
- The public transit scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Limited shopping options
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for families. Feel free to reach out with questions..
20 upvotes
Connor Hernandez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 30, moved here 3 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Eastside and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The food scene situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for couples. tough vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 Portland, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $60K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
11 upvotes
Ryan Brown
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want traffic, then yeah this place is great. But if weather matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.