First post here. Born and raised here. Crime rate is something to consider -East Whittier sits at 180.6 per 100K. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
9 upvotes
14 Replies
Stella R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 54, moved here 1 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Pine Hills and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally pretty good - 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 pet-friendliness situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for singles. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 Charlotte, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $60K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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
Josiah
I've been living here for 6 years and I'd say it's exactly what I was looking for. The traffic is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
38 upvotes
William Rogers
My experience has been mostly positive. it's been a really good experience overall. The only thing I'd watch out for is cost of living. Other than that, No regrets on my end..
37 upvotes
Sofia Alvarez
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is community vibe. it exceeded my expectations. Worth doing your research before committing.
33 upvotes
Adrian Mendoza
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
27 upvotes
Isabella Perez
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
20 upvotes
Jayden Taylor
good to know, thanks
14 upvotes
Henry Adams
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. I have mixed feelings honestly. Compared to Miami it's underrated.
13 upvotes
hailey_heart
I work in engineering here and the quality of life is solid. The job market for my field is hit or miss. No regrets on my end..
13 upvotes
Anna
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from LA and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Springfield. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in government. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
11 upvotes
Kayden Ross
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is pet-friendliness. it's been a really good experience overall. Worth doing your research before committing.
11 upvotes
Audrey H.
spot on
7 upvotes
Avery Torres
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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