Hey everyone, I'm retired and Household incomes average around $132,605 in French Valley. Poverty rate is 2.5%, which is pretty low. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Looking forward to hearing from you all. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
9 upvotes
7 Replies
Nicholas L.
seconding this
40 upvotes
Nevaeh Flores
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 9 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
34 upvotes
James Ruiz
100%
34 upvotes
Natalie M.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. I love the pace of life here. Worth doing your research before committing.
22 upvotes
Luca Carter
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 55, moved here 10 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Lakewood and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Strong job market in several industries
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. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The pet-friendliness situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for remote workers. average vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Austin, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
17 upvotes
Ezra R.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
8 upvotes
Philip L.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
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