Crime rate is something to consider — Escondido sits at 349.8 per 100K. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. What neighborhoods would you suggest?
34 upvotes
21 Replies
James Morris
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The walkability is honestly excellent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
39 upvotes
Ezra Kelly
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely improving and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Nashville, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
39 upvotes
Caroline R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 8 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. education 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's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset 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. Property taxes are high. Homeless population growing downtown. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
chill_jaxon92
The food scene here is decent. Tons of great craft beer places. I love the pace of life here.
31 upvotes
Sebastian Roberts
Saving this thread
26 upvotes
Adeline B.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 7 years. Moved from LA for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. construction 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:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside schools are challenging. 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. Limited shopping options. Limited entertainment options. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
Autumn Brown
Used to live on the Springfield side, now on the Downtown side. Completely different vibe. it was the best decision I ever made.
22 upvotes
Denise C.
Can confirm, been here 9 years.
21 upvotes
Robert Martinez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 42, moved here 15 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Riverside and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The healthcare situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for retirees. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 San Diego, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$150K 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.
21 upvotes
Camila Williams
Moved here last year, no regrets.
19 upvotes
Wesley Richardson
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 2 years here, that's my honest assessment.
17 upvotes
Easton Moore
I work in manufacturing here and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The job market for my field is underrated. Feel free to reach out with questions..
16 upvotes
Audrey Reyes
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Seattle about 5 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Lots of new development happening
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are growing, gas is decent.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
15 upvotes
kai_girl
Moved here from Miami about 9 years ago. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Still getting used to pet-friendliness but Happy to answer more specific questions..
15 upvotes
Brooklyn Ruiz
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 6 years. Moved from Seattle for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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. Rising rent and home prices. Road conditions need improvement. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
14 upvotes
raised_nolan58
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 31, moved here 10 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Lakewood and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Four distinct seasons
2. Affordable housing options
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Homeless population growing downtown
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The cost of living situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for retirees. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 Tampa, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $60K-$80K 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.
5 upvotes
Timothy M.
Moved here from San Diego about 12 years ago. I have mixed feelings honestly. Still getting used to dating scene but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
4 upvotes
Henry
I'm a pharmacist and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is challenging and there's always something going on.
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