I work in marketing and Crime rate is something to consider -Fountain Valley sits at 94.9 per 100K. With a population of 56,358, Fountain Valley is a smaller city. You can expect to pay around $2,507 for rent here. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
Pros:
- Good job market
- Nice parks and trails
- Growing food scene
- Low crime in most areas
- Close to nature
Cons:
- Traffic can be terrible
- Not very walkable
- Lack of diversity
There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The suburbs are where most families end up. The suburbs are where most families end up. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The suburbs are where most families end up. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
16 upvotes
10 Replies
Liam Gutierrez
big facts right here
37 upvotes
Jacob Ross
I've lived in Sunset for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Affordable housing options
- The traffic scene is solid
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. No regrets on my end..
37 upvotes
Xavier Ortiz
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Atlanta and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Uptown. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in engineering. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Hope this helps!.
31 upvotes
Theodore Myers
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I love the pace of life here. Compared to Minneapolis it's surprisingly good.
21 upvotes
Mia G.
following this thread
18 upvotes
Hunter Morris
accurate
17 upvotes
Anna Castillo
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Nashville and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Downtown. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in legal. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
16 upvotes
Jameson King
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 47, moved here 10 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in East and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Property taxes are high
3. The safety situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for couples. decent vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Atlanta, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
13 upvotes
Mason Reyes
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Seattle about 3 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong job market in several industries
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are wild, gas is challenging.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. No regrets on my end..
11 upvotes
Alexander A.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 4 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Sunset side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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