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Madelyn Harris
moving
What to expect moving to El Cajon?
With a population of 105K, El Cajon is a mid-size city. Any advice would be great. TIA!
33 upvotes
23 Replies
Leo W.
I've lived in Midtown for about 15 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 Chicago, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good schools in most areas
- The dating scene scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Winters are long and cold
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. Hope this helps!.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good schools in most areas
- The dating scene scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Winters are long and cold
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. Hope this helps!.
40 upvotes
Aaliyah N.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is pet-friendliness. the quality of life is solid. Worth doing your research before committing.
39 upvotes
Connor
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's exactly what I was looking for. Internet is surprisingly good in most areas.
38 upvotes
Camila S.
nah I disagree
34 upvotes
Liam Chavez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Houston about 2 years ago. The main reasons were work and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Four distinct seasons
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are wild, gas is improving.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Houston about 2 years ago. The main reasons were work and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Four distinct seasons
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are wild, gas is improving.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
31 upvotes
Camila Chavez
As someone who grew up here, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. A lot has changed in the past few years though. job market used to be much growing but now it's challenging.
30 upvotes
Nevaeh Carter
The food scene here is average. Tons of great Asian places. it exceeded my expectations.
26 upvotes
Savannah Kim
Used to live on the Springfield side, now on the Uptown side. Completely different vibe. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
26 upvotes
andrew_girl
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's exactly what I was looking for. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
25 upvotes
Andrew R.
great question, following
25 upvotes
Alexa Rogers
following this thread
24 upvotes
wild_james59
Hot take but I genuinely enjoy living here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 2 years here, that's my honest assessment.
22 upvotes
raised_madelyn57
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Dallas about 6 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are growing, gas is decent.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Dallas about 6 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are growing, gas is decent.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
20 upvotes
Andrew E.
I've been living here for 9 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The school system is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
19 upvotes
Clara W.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are improving, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
18 upvotes
Kinsley Morgan
As someone who grew up here, it's improved dramatically in recent years. A lot has changed in the past few years though. nightlife used to be much affordable but now it's tough.
18 upvotes
Allison Ward
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it's exactly what I was looking for. Compared to Boston it's average.
17 upvotes
Sarah Cook
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 27, moved here 3 years ago from Boston. I've lived in South and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The outdoor recreation situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for couples. tough vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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 accountant, 27, moved here 3 years ago from Boston. I've lived in South and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The outdoor recreation situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for couples. tough vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
15 upvotes
Michael Brown
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in Sunset area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
14 upvotes
Olivia
bump
7 upvotes
Heather P.
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
6 upvotes
Nova King
Hot take but it was the best decision I ever made. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
2 upvotes
Robert L.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I genuinely enjoy living here. Happy to answer more specific questions..
1 upvotes