First post here. I relocated for work and Rent is about $2,730/month for a decent place. Household incomes average around $150,471 in Encinitas. Poverty rate is 4.9%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $150,471, which feels pretty solid for the area. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Any advice would be great. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
6 upvotes
22 Replies
Deborah R.
I work in retail here and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market for my field is tough. Definitely worth checking out..
37 upvotes
Susan C.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it was the best decision I ever made. Internet is solid in most areas.
31 upvotes
Nathan P.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 11 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
30 upvotes
Sandra W.
The food scene here is tough. Tons of great Indian places. it exceeded my expectations.
29 upvotes
Michael
Bought a house here in 2020 and it exceeded my expectations. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
28 upvotes
Elizabeth Turner
100%
28 upvotes
Xavier Lopez
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are improving, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
25 upvotes
Aubrey Sanchez
accurate
24 upvotes
Allison M.
This.
23 upvotes
columbuswalker2024
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Boston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in The Heights. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
23 upvotes
Matthew Martinez
it depends on the neighborhood
22 upvotes
Amber H.
I've lived in The Heights for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The walkability scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. Definitely worth checking out..
18 upvotes
chill_aaron49
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 10 years. Moved from Dallas for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. retail 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's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is improving - 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. East 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. Property taxes are high. Can feel isolated. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
Hunter Miller
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want outdoor recreation, then yeah this place is great. But if safety matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
13 upvotes
Eva L.
thanks for sharing
6 upvotes
Hazel R.
great question, following
5 upvotes
Zoey Ruiz
literally same
5 upvotes
cool_kinsley19
Bought a house here in 2017 and I genuinely enjoy living here. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
4 upvotes
Mason M.
bump
4 upvotes
Carolyn E.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 56, moved here 15 years ago from New York. I've lived in Eastside and The Heights, 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. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The job market situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for young professionals. challenging vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 New York, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$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.
3 upvotes
Austin Patel
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are improving, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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