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Luna P.
best-worst
Downey vs Phoenix -which is better?
Anyone else feel this way? I work in automotive and Poverty rate is 7.0%, which is pretty low.
30 upvotes
7 Replies
dallasguy2020
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 57, moved here 10 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Eastside and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The healthcare situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for couples. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Phoenix, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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 marketing manager, 57, moved here 10 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Eastside and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The healthcare situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for couples. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Phoenix, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
39 upvotes
Sarah C.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Compared to Charlotte it's underrated.
38 upvotes
David
Bought a house here in 2023 and it's not perfect but it works for me. Property values have gone about the same since then.
25 upvotes
Adam Kelly
same here
23 upvotes
Mackenzie Mitchell
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Portland about 4 years ago. The main reasons were family and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good internet infrastructure
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are pricey, gas is decent.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Portland about 4 years ago. The main reasons were family and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good internet infrastructure
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are pricey, gas is decent.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
18 upvotes
Naomi R.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cost of living. it's exactly what I was looking for. Worth doing your research before committing.
17 upvotes
Ellie O.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Tampa about 4 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Active local events and festivals
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are wild, gas is average.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Happy to answer more specific questions..
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Tampa about 4 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Active local events and festivals
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are wild, gas is average.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Happy to answer more specific questions..
10 upvotes