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Alexa Smith
housing
Rent in Eastern Goleta Valley getting crazy
Random thought, The unemployment rate is 2.6%, which is pretty low. Worth the trade-offs? Appreciate any input.
1 upvotes
26 Replies
Eleanor S.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 46, moved here 5 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in North and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The school system situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for families. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
Background: I'm a project manager, 46, moved here 5 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in North and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The school system situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for families. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
40 upvotes
living_ian11
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. Hope this helps!.
40 upvotes
Bennett
good to know, thanks
39 upvotes
Landon A.
not my experience at all
38 upvotes
chicago_adrian
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
37 upvotes
Colton Brooks
I've been living here for 8 years and I'd say the quality of life is solid. The walkability is better than expected compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
36 upvotes
Jackson R.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely decent and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (West) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
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.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely decent and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (West) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
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.
35 upvotes
Dylan Jones
As someone who grew up here, it's improved dramatically in recent years. A lot has changed in the past few years though. job market used to be much developing but now it's underrated.
29 upvotes
Ariana Ortiz
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 5 years. Moved from LA for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is decent - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Lakewood schools are improving. 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 public transit options. Limited shopping options. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Lakewood for 5 years. Moved from LA for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is decent - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Lakewood schools are improving. 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 public transit options. Limited shopping options. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
28 upvotes
Roman N.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely solid and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Fairview) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Houston, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely solid and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Fairview) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Houston, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
26 upvotes
Mason Gonzalez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Dallas about 9 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Active local events and festivals
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are growing, gas is solid.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Dallas about 9 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Active local events and festivals
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are growing, gas is solid.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
25 upvotes
Mia E.
We moved here with our family and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Schools in Lakewood area are better than expected. Kids love it here.
25 upvotes
Lori Y.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 14 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into running, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
I've been here 14 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into running, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
23 upvotes
Alexander Taylor
I'm a data analyst and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. The community is underrated and there's always something going on.
21 upvotes
Alice
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I genuinely enjoy living here. Good luck with whatever you decide..
20 upvotes
Ian Clark
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 2 years. Moved from Austin for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. finance 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 underrated - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Highland schools are decent. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Property taxes are high. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Highland for 2 years. Moved from Austin for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. finance 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 underrated - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Highland schools are decent. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Property taxes are high. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
19 upvotes
Emily Ortiz
Used to live on the Downtown side, now on the Cedar Grove side. Completely different vibe. I have mixed feelings honestly.
18 upvotes
David Price
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 24, moved here 1 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Springfield and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Active local events and festivals
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. Limited public transit options
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The outdoor recreation situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for families. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Miami, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 24, moved here 1 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Springfield and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Active local events and festivals
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. Limited public transit options
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The outdoor recreation situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for families. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Miami, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
17 upvotes
Landon Ortiz
Used to live on the Meadowbrook side, now on the Uptown side. Completely different vibe. it was the best decision I ever made.
15 upvotes
Hunter Hall
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Miami about 7 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are developing, gas is challenging.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
I'm a chef who relocated here from Miami about 7 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are developing, gas is challenging.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
14 upvotes
Nevaeh
literally same
12 upvotes
Greyson W.
nah I disagree
10 upvotes
Anna Howard
lol so true
8 upvotes
Angel Green
good to know, thanks
4 upvotes
Bella Hughes
as a local I can confirm
2 upvotes
Ella Carter
I've lived in Lakewood for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Houston, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Four distinct seasons
- The dating scene scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. Good luck with whatever you decide..
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Houston, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Four distinct seasons
- The dating scene scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. Good luck with whatever you decide..
1 upvotes