Anyone else feel this way? I'm retired and Rent is about $2,122/month for a decent place. The unemployment rate is 7.0%, which is concerning. Crime rate is something to consider -El Rio sits at 433.0 per 100K. It's a a small town city with about 6,343 people. The city has invested a lot in new development. The suburbs are where most families end up. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The city has invested a lot in new development.
7 upvotes
3 Replies
lake_carter57
as a local I can confirm
38 upvotes
Wesley M.
Used to live on the Highland side, now on the Cedar Grove side. Completely different vibe. I genuinely enjoy living here.
25 upvotes
Naomi Edwards
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 54, moved here 13 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Sunset and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The community vibe situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for retirees. decent vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Seattle, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$90K 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.
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