So, It's a a smaller city city with about 31,566 people. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Am I wrong here? The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up.
29 upvotes
7 Replies
Leonardo Reyes
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 11 years. Moved from New York for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. marketing 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:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is improving - 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 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Limited entertainment options. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Lucy Young
interesting, hadn't considered that
27 upvotes
Carter Gray
My experience has been mostly positive. I'm still on the fence after all this time. The only thing I'd watch out for is weather. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..
19 upvotes
portland_lydia
nah I disagree
16 upvotes
Axel W.
lol so true
15 upvotes
Tyler L.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 39, moved here 14 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Midtown and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Active local events and festivals
2. Affordable housing options
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The pet-friendliness situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for remote workers. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
15 upvotes
Joseph P.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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