Longtime lurker here, I'm retired and The unemployment rate is 2.6%, which is pretty low. Homes are going for about $1,192,000 on average. The median home value here is around $1,192,000, which is pretty steep. Crime rate is something to consider -Eastern Goleta Valley sits at 114.1 per 100K. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The weather takes some getting used to. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
1 upvotes
12 Replies
Serenity Williams
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Cedar Grove. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in real estate. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
39 upvotes
Natalie Roberts
as a local I can confirm
39 upvotes
Jacob Kelly
My experience has been mostly positive. it exceeded my expectations. The only thing I'd watch out for is community vibe. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..
37 upvotes
Roman W.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 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 1-bed in Sunset. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Asian.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
35 upvotes
Kayden Thomas
been saying this for years
33 upvotes
Theodore Smith
exactly what I was thinking
32 upvotes
Andrew T.
haha yep pretty much
28 upvotes
Jackson Brooks
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 36, moved here 13 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Greenfield and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Winters are long and cold
3. The public transit situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for couples. average vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Boston, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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
Olivia Jimenez
I've been living here for 6 years and I'd say it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community vibe is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
24 upvotes
Delilah
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 41, moved here 4 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Strong sense of community
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The public transit situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for families. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Nashville, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$110K 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.
12 upvotes
Naomi Nguyen
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Happy to answer more specific questions..
2 upvotes
Melanie Brooks
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Atlanta and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Oak Park. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in real estate. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Asian.
All Countries
