Been meaning to ask this. Rent is about $684/month for a decent place. Household incomes average around $61,731 in Chatsworth. Homes are going for about $103,000 on average. Average temperature is around 52--F, so expect cold winters. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
Pros:
- Affordable cost of living
- Low crime in most areas
- Walkable downtown
- Good airport connections
Cons:
- Hot summers
- Sprawl everywhere
- Poor road conditions
- Not enough green space
What are your go-to spots? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
8 upvotes
10 Replies
Leo Sanders
+1
38 upvotes
Autumn Torres
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 2 years. Moved from Houston for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Highland 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. Rising rent and home prices. Bugs and humidity in summer. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
nola_alexander
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 7 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
28 upvotes
Charlotte Cook
wish I knew this sooner
28 upvotes
Bennett Lopez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 4 years. Moved from San Francisco for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And weather 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.
25 upvotes
James T.
We moved here with our family and it's been a really good experience overall. Schools in Westside area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
22 upvotes
Shirley N.
Totally agree!
19 upvotes
Julia R.
Used to live on the Downtown side, now on the Pine Hills side. Completely different vibe. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
6 upvotes
William C.
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.
5 upvotes
Piper Adams
Came here for retirement and stayed because it's exactly what I was looking for. The walkability is honestly tough and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
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