Been meaning to ask this. I'm retired and Homes are going for about $192,400 on average. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Worth the trade-offs? The weather takes some getting used to. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
12 upvotes
7 Replies
desert_jose87
interesting, hadn't considered that
37 upvotes
Zoe
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in Eastside area are challenging. Kids love it here.
17 upvotes
Allison
Moved here last year, no regrets.
8 upvotes
fresno_cooper
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
8 upvotes
Ezra Chavez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 39, moved here 13 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Lakewood and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The safety situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for couples. improving vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Francisco, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
8 upvotes
Emilia Smith
I'm a physical therapist and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. The community is tough and there's always something going on.
8 upvotes
Silas J.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Phoenix about 1 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good internet infrastructure
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are wild, gas is excellent.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Feel free to reach out with questions..
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