I'm a 34-year-old HR manager and Crime rate is something to consider -Compton sits at 1,142.4 per 100K. You can expect to pay around $1,601 for rent here. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Should I be concerned? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
29 upvotes
14 Replies
Julia Y.
I've lived in Sunset for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Portland, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The pet-friendliness scene is improving
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for young professionals. Hope this helps!.
37 upvotes
Madeline Robinson
I'm a social worker 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.
36 upvotes
Quinn Foster
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 27, moved here 12 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Old Town and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
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 shopping options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The outdoor recreation situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for young professionals. decent vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Baltimore, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$70K 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.
33 upvotes
Alice
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Houston about 1 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are manageable, gas is improving.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Definitely worth checking out..
33 upvotes
Luca
Moved here last year, no regrets.
27 upvotes
Megan H.
facts
25 upvotes
Catherine J.
I've lived in Oak Park for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Four distinct seasons
- The traffic scene is improving
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for couples. No regrets on my end..
23 upvotes
Helen S.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want weather, then yeah this place is great. But if community vibe matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
15 upvotes
Carson Perez
I'm a physical therapist and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The community is tough and there's always something going on.
15 upvotes
Logan W.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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
Leonardo M.
literally same
9 upvotes
Bruce J.
I've been living here for 5 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The school system is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
8 upvotes
Bella Smith
glad someone said it
8 upvotes
Gianna
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.