So, My partner and I are The unemployment rate is 1.3%, which is pretty low. Rent is about $2,361/month for a decent place. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
11 upvotes
13 Replies
Isabelle
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Portland and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in East. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in construction. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
37 upvotes
Sofia
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 54, moved here 10 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in The Heights and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The job market situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for families. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 San Diego, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
33 upvotes
mountain_sarah97
Moved here from New York about 14 years ago. it's been a really good experience overall. Still getting used to healthcare but Definitely worth checking out..
32 upvotes
Declan
bump
31 upvotes
Josiah
Moved here from Seattle about 10 years ago. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Still getting used to public transit but Definitely worth checking out..
26 upvotes
David M.
I'm a lawyer and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
20 upvotes
Isla Hughes
I'm a project manager and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. The community is decent and there's always something going on.
17 upvotes
Nolan Thompson
facts
15 upvotes
Sadie C.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 8 years. Moved from Charlotte for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2018 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. marketing 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 genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is tough - we have national forests 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. Property taxes are high. Can feel isolated. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
mesalife2025
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely excellent and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
12 upvotes
Serenity Parker
Bought a house here in 2019 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone about the same since then.
11 upvotes
Christian Richardson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Minneapolis about 3 years ago. The main reasons were work and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Strong sense of community
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are growing, gas is underrated.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Good luck with whatever you decide..
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