Homes are going for about $632,800 on average. Crime rate is something to consider -El Cajon sits at 532.4 per 100K. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Am I wrong here? It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The suburbs are where most families end up. The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The weather takes some getting used to.
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Luca Lewis
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 50, moved here 11 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in South and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The healthcare situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for families. decent 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 Nashville, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K 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.
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