Military spouse here. Household incomes average around $41,580 in Clearlake. The unemployment rate is 8.1%, which is concerning. Homes are going for about $204,500 on average. With a population of 16,604, Clearlake is a small town. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Does this match your experience? There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
12 upvotes
8 Replies
Janice W.
As someone who grew up here, it's improved dramatically in recent years. A lot has changed in the past few years though. pet-friendliness used to be much competitive but now it's hit or miss.
27 upvotes
Everett M.
yep
26 upvotes
Leah Williams
been saying this for years
26 upvotes
Kai James
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from LA about 3 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong job market in several industries
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are stable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. No regrets on my end..
22 upvotes
Autumn
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
13 upvotes
Hazel
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 31, moved here 1 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The safety situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for families. underrated 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
5 upvotes
Ethan Lee
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
All Countries
