Not sure if this has been asked before, but I'm originally from Dallas and It's a a mid-size city city with about 111K people. The unemployment rate is 3.6%, which is pretty low. Household incomes average around $110,073 in Costa Mesa. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
Pros:
- Low crime in most areas
- Good schools
- Active local events
- Good airport connections
Cons:
- Traffic can be terrible
- Limited nightlife
- Sprawl everywhere
- Mosquitoes and humidity
- Not enough green space
What would you do? Looking forward to hearing from you all. The suburbs are where most families end up. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
41 upvotes
13 Replies
Jack Parker
This.
38 upvotes
Leo Reed
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Minneapolis 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 South. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in legal. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
32 upvotes
Everly Garcia
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. the quality of life is solid. Compared to Miami it's solid.
31 upvotes
houstonheart2024
exactly what I was thinking
28 upvotes
Adam
great question, following
24 upvotes
Caleb Reyes
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely tough and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
21 upvotes
Aurora Brown
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 4 years. Moved from Chicago for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up a bit 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:**
education is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside 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. Limited public transit options. Nightlife is limited. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
Adeline M.
This.
16 upvotes
Oliver Price
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 7 years. Moved from Chicago for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. consulting 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:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have lakes 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 solid. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Homeless population growing downtown. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
14 upvotes
Landon H.
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.
11 upvotes
Noah Price
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in The Heights for 3 years. Moved from Pittsburgh 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 a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is improving - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. The Heights schools are solid. 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. Dating scene is rough. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
11 upvotes
Everett Hill
yeah no that's not right
11 upvotes
Ralph T.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are hit or miss, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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