Curious what people think. You can expect to pay around $2,883 for rent here. Household incomes average around $127,246 in Dana Point. Rent is about $2,883/month for a decent place. It's a a smaller city city with about 32,883 people. The unemployment rate is 2.5%, which is pretty low. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The weather takes some getting used to. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. What would you do? The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The suburbs are where most families end up. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The weather takes some getting used to. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
19 upvotes
4 Replies
Ella
As someone who grew up here, it's exactly what I was looking for. A lot has changed in the past few years though. walkability used to be much established but now it's average.
30 upvotes
Anna
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from LA and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Oak Park. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in real estate. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
22 upvotes
nyc_adrian
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I'm still on the fence after all this time. No regrets on my end..
16 upvotes
Skylar Kim
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 14 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Fairview and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Affordable housing options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The community vibe situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for remote workers. decent vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Tampa, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $60K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
All Countries
