OK so Military spouse here. Crime rate is something to consider -East Palo Alto sits at 485.1 per 100K. The median home value here is around $1,124,000, which is pretty steep. With a population of 29,143, East Palo Alto is a smaller city. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The city has invested a lot in new development. Am I overthinking this? Looking forward to hearing from you all. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
30 upvotes
6 Replies
Zachary R.
I've lived in South for about 5 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 Nashville, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The public transit scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for remote workers. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
28 upvotes
Carter Jones
Bought a house here in 2021 and it exceeded my expectations. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
26 upvotes
tampa_audrey
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely pretty good and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Fairview) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
19 upvotes
Connor Lewis
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely underrated and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Riverside) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
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.
18 upvotes
Willow C.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Boston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Highland. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in tech. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Italian.
No regrets on my end..
7 upvotes
weston_kid
We moved here with our family and it was the best decision I ever made. Schools in Pine Hills area are decent. Kids love it here.