Hey, We're a young couple and Household incomes average around $150,471 in Encinitas. With a population of 61,585, Encinitas is a smaller city. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Any advice would be great. The weather takes some getting used to. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The weather takes some getting used to. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
2 upvotes
7 Replies
Sebastian Mitchell
My experience has been mostly positive. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The only thing I'd watch out for is cultural scene. Other than that, Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
32 upvotes
Carter Castillo
Used to live on the Lakewood side, now on the Cedar Grove side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.
30 upvotes
Silas W.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, the quality of life is solid. Happy to answer more specific questions..
26 upvotes
Sarah Patel
bump
24 upvotes
Eugene W.
spot on
12 upvotes
Audrey
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Nashville and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Eastside. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in construction. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
7 upvotes
portlandchef2021
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 53, moved here 11 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Lakewood and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Active local events and festivals
2. Affordable housing options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The walkability situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for singles. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Raleigh, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $100K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
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