Anyone else feel this way? I'm single, late 30s, and Homes are going for about $1,466,000 on average. Crime rate is something to consider -Encinitas sits at 135.8 per 100K. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Thoughts? There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The suburbs are where most families end up. The city has invested a lot in new development.
20 upvotes
9 Replies
Abigail J.
Hot take but it's exactly what I was looking for. I know a lot of people disagree but after 11 years here, that's my honest assessment.
39 upvotes
Wesley Roberts
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely improving and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Westside) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Dallas, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
30 upvotes
Eric P.
interesting, hadn't considered that
30 upvotes
Waylon Johnson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 47, moved here 13 years ago from Austin. I've lived in East and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The nightlife situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for families. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 Austin, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $80K-$150K 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.
25 upvotes
Amy B.
Public transit is tough here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it exceeded my expectations.
17 upvotes
Eliana Sanchez
yep
16 upvotes
James Lee
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (West) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Denver, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe 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.
11 upvotes
Mia Thompson
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I genuinely enjoy living here. Internet is pretty good in most areas.
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