I'm retired and You can expect to pay around $3,501 for rent here. Homes are going for about $965,400 on average. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. What neighborhoods would you suggest? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
15 upvotes
8 Replies
Luca Gutierrez
yep
38 upvotes
Greyson G.
lol so true
38 upvotes
Savannah Ruiz
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Internet is better than expected in most areas.
36 upvotes
Audrey T.
nah I disagree
18 upvotes
Hannah Sanchez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 38, moved here 15 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Nice parks and green spaces
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. Limited high-paying job options
3. The public transit situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for families. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Seattle, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
17 upvotes
hazel_native
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- The traffic scene is decent
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for families. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
16 upvotes
Adam Adams
I work in tech here and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market for my field is surprisingly good. Hope this helps!.
15 upvotes
Daniel Brown
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 2 years. Moved from Phoenix for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. government 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:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - 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. Sunset schools are tough. 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. Can feel isolated. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.