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Nolan Foster
housing
Is it worth buying in El Mirage?
Hey, Born and raised here. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
24 upvotes
15 Replies
Johnny A.
Hot take but it's improved dramatically in recent years. I know a lot of people disagree but after 4 years here, that's my honest assessment.
36 upvotes
Aubrey R.
I've lived in Downtown for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The housing market scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. Good luck with whatever you decide..
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The housing market scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. Good luck with whatever you decide..
27 upvotes
Isla
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 1 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
I've been here 1 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
16 upvotes
Easton S.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. it's been a really good experience overall. Worth doing your research before committing.
15 upvotes
boston_serenity
The food scene here is tough. Tons of great Indian places. it's not perfect but it works for me.
15 upvotes
Everly
My experience has been mostly positive. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The only thing I'd watch out for is cost of living. Other than that, No regrets on my end..
11 upvotes
Jose S.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 39, moved here 3 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Sunset and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The healthcare situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for couples. decent vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Houston, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $50K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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 HR manager, 39, moved here 3 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Sunset and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The healthcare situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for couples. decent vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Houston, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $50K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
10 upvotes
Ruby
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 2 years. Moved from San Francisco for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2022 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is tough - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Riverside schools are excellent. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Limited entertainment options. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Riverside for 2 years. Moved from San Francisco for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2022 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is tough - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Riverside schools are excellent. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Limited entertainment options. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
10 upvotes
Jackson K.
Totally agree!
9 upvotes
Naomi Wright
been saying this for years
8 upvotes
Kayden Ross
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely solid and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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 cultural scene, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely solid and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
7 upvotes
Peyton Scott
We moved here with our family and the quality of life is solid. Schools in Sunset area are tough. Kids love it here.
5 upvotes
Rylee Hernandez
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
4 upvotes
Andrew Walker
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Baltimore about 4 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Four distinct seasons
- Diverse dining options
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are reasonable, gas is challenging.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Baltimore about 4 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Four distinct seasons
- Diverse dining options
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are reasonable, gas is challenging.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
1 upvotes
Isabelle Hernandez
I work in manufacturing here and it's exactly what I was looking for. The job market for my field is surprisingly good. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
0 upvotes