Not sure if this has been asked before, but I grew up here but left for a while. Homes are going for about $205,100 on average. The unemployment rate is 2.5%, which is pretty low. Average temperature is around 50--F, so expect cold winters. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Any help is appreciated. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
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Billy G.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 53, moved here 15 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Sunset and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Close to major attractions
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The housing market situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for remote workers. solid 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 Miami, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.