OK so Military spouse here. Household incomes average around $87,400 in Downey. The unemployment rate is 3.8%, which is pretty low. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Would love some local perspective. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
17 upvotes
27 Replies
Mackenzie Reed
noted, appreciate it
40 upvotes
Lucas Myers
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Denver and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Oak Park. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in engineering. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
38 upvotes
la_asher
I've been living here for 7 years and I'd say I'm still on the fence after all this time. The job market is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
34 upvotes
Connor Howard
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is healthcare. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Worth doing your research before committing.
33 upvotes
Everly D.
yep
33 upvotes
Charlotte Hernandez
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Compared to Dallas it's tough.
31 upvotes
Zoe Hall
glad someone said it
30 upvotes
Mackenzie Edwards
Used to live on the Oak Park side, now on the Springfield side. Completely different vibe. I love the pace of life here.
28 upvotes
Nicholas G.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 26, moved here 13 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Midtown and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The school system situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for singles. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 Austin, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
28 upvotes
Isabella James
My experience has been mostly positive. I love the pace of life here. The only thing I'd watch out for is weather. Other than that, Hope this helps!.
25 upvotes
everett_heart
The food scene here is decent. Tons of great Korean places. it was the best decision I ever made.
24 upvotes
Carter
The food scene here is tough. Tons of great BBQ places. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
24 upvotes
Kinsley Young
this is the way
23 upvotes
Nathan Martin
Came here for weather and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The safety is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
18 upvotes
Savannah Peterson
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in Greenfield area are average. Kids love it here.
16 upvotes
Elena Foster
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in Westside area are excellent. Kids love it here.
15 upvotes
cincydude2020
facts
15 upvotes
Matthew M.
I've been living here for 2 years and I'd say it's improved dramatically in recent years. The food scene is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..
15 upvotes
Cora Jimenez
Moved here last year, no regrets.
14 upvotes
Joshua Lopez
good to know, thanks
10 upvotes
loving_stella16
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is traffic. it was the best decision I ever made. Worth doing your research before committing.
9 upvotes
Aria Brooks
Totally agree!
8 upvotes
Kayden Gonzalez
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Happy to answer more specific questions..
5 upvotes
Miles Anderson
Public transit is hit or miss here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's not perfect but it works for me.
3 upvotes
Maverick Myers
My experience has been mostly positive. the quality of life is solid. The only thing I'd watch out for is safety. Other than that, It's not for everyone but it works for us..
2 upvotes
nyc_melanie
Moved here from Dallas about 14 years ago. I love the pace of life here. Still getting used to walkability but Good luck with whatever you decide..
2 upvotes
Adeline Sanders
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 2 years. Moved from Baltimore for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2021 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is average - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown 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. Limited high-paying job options. Property taxes are high. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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