Hey, Average temperature is around 51--F, so expect cold winters. The suburbs are where most families end up. Does this match your experience? The city has invested a lot in new development. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
4 upvotes
6 Replies
Cooper
As someone who grew up here, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. A lot has changed in the past few years though. safety used to be much pricey but now it's decent.
39 upvotes
vegas_ethan
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Compared to Chicago it's surprisingly good.
38 upvotes
native_noah56
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 8 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
31 upvotes
David Ortiz
I'm a chef and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
17 upvotes
Parker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 47, moved here 3 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Sunset and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The outdoor recreation situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for young professionals. hit or miss 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 Baltimore, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $80K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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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