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John H. moving

Relocating to Fort Irwin, CA -pros and cons?

Hey folks, Born and raised here. Rent is about $1,601/month for a decent place. You can expect to pay around $1,601 for rent here. The unemployment rate is 2.6%, which is pretty low. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. What do you all think? Appreciate any input. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The city has invested a lot in new development. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The food scene here is surprisingly good. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The weather takes some getting used to. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The city has invested a lot in new development. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
11 upvotes

4 Replies

orlando_skylar
spot on
14 upvotes
Leo Ward
Totally agree!
14 upvotes
Riley Walker
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.

I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from LA about 2 years ago. The main reasons were weather and a fresh start.

Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Four distinct seasons
- Lots of family-friendly activities

Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Dating scene is rough

Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are pricey, gas is average.

Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
3 upvotes
Carter P.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a real estate agent, 47, moved here 1 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Westside and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The pet-friendliness situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for families. improving vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K 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.
1 upvotes
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