I'm a teacher here and The unemployment rate is 2.4%, which is pretty low. Homes are going for about $170,800 on average. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Am I wrong here? The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
13 upvotes
3 Replies
Luke
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I genuinely enjoy living here. Internet is better than expected in most areas.
37 upvotes
Nova Sanchez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 31, moved here 14 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Sunset and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Affordable housing options
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The pet-friendliness situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for families. improving vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Dallas, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.