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Henry Wilson
jobs
Dana Point job market vs Tucson
Hello, I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
13 upvotes
26 Replies
Ellie Robinson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 37, moved here 3 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Downtown and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Winters are long and cold
3. The school system situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for couples. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
Background: I'm a social worker, 37, moved here 3 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Downtown and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Winters are long and cold
3. The school system situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for couples. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
38 upvotes
Chloe Sanders
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Internet is excellent in most areas.
35 upvotes
Allison Brown
I've lived in Old Town for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Decent public transit for the size
- The school system scene is improving
The downsides:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. Hope this helps!.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Decent public transit for the size
- The school system scene is improving
The downsides:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. Hope this helps!.
35 upvotes
Nevaeh R.
lol so true
34 upvotes
Austin Alvarez
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
33 upvotes
Avery Allen
been saying this for years
32 upvotes
Asher Scott
yeah no that's not right
31 upvotes
nashville_genesis
+1
28 upvotes
Olivia
+1
26 upvotes
Kai Jones
I work in real estate here and it's not perfect but it works for me. The job market for my field is better than expected. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
26 upvotes
Hudson Kim
This.
25 upvotes
Melanie Turner
As someone who grew up here, I have mixed feelings honestly. A lot has changed in the past few years though. healthcare used to be much stable but now it's hit or miss.
25 upvotes
nyc_declan
Weather-wise, the summers are underrated and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
24 upvotes
Evan
The food scene here is tough. Tons of great sushi places. the quality of life is solid.
23 upvotes
Caleb Jackson
Came here for weather and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The dating scene is honestly tough and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
18 upvotes
Hudson
glad someone said it
18 upvotes
Audrey Gutierrez
Hot take but I'm still on the fence after all this time. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
17 upvotes
Axel Moore
it depends on the neighborhood
16 upvotes
local_emma41
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 13 years. Moved from Boston for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2017 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Lakewood schools are better than expected. 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. Property taxes are high. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Lakewood for 13 years. Moved from Boston for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2017 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Lakewood schools are better than expected. 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. Property taxes are high. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
13 upvotes
Samuel Ross
hmm interesting perspective
13 upvotes
Silas Scott
following this thread
11 upvotes
Lillian B.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Compared to Pittsburgh it's decent.
7 upvotes
Isabelle Thompson
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it exceeded my expectations.
6 upvotes
Serenity S.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely solid and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely solid and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
4 upvotes
Michael Parker
I work in retail here and it's not perfect but it works for me. The job market for my field is surprisingly good. No regrets on my end..
1 upvotes
Greyson Bailey
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
0 upvotes