Considering Chandler vs San Francisco — help me decide
So, I'm a college student here and Median household income is $103,691, which feels pretty solid for the area. The unemployment rate is 2.6%, which is pretty low. Rent is about $1,806/month for a decent place. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Thoughts? Appreciate any input. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
18 upvotes
3 Replies
Everly Sanders
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely better than expected and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Sunset) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Can feel isolated.
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.
35 upvotes
Claire Bailey
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 30, moved here 15 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Property taxes are high
3. The walkability situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for singles. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Phoenix, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
14 upvotes
Joseph Rogers
I've lived in Riverside for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Strong job market in several industries
- The walkability scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. Good luck with whatever you decide..
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