I relocated for work and You can expect to pay around $2,124 for rent here. Crime rate is something to consider — Fullerton sits at 266.1 per 100K. The city has invested a lot in new development. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Am I wrong here? The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The suburbs are where most families end up. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
5 upvotes
12 Replies
Emma M.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Minneapolis and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Sunset. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in finance. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Definitely worth checking out..
39 upvotes
Nova Hughes
lol so true
35 upvotes
Eli Alvarez
I've lived in Westside for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Portland, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Four distinct seasons
- The school system scene is decent
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for singles. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
31 upvotes
detroit_eli
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Austin about 5 years ago. The main reasons were family and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are pricey, gas is solid.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. No regrets on my end..
30 upvotes
Wesley Bennett
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 44, moved here 11 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Greenfield and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Close to major attractions
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally average - 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 competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for retirees. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
29 upvotes
Nathan R.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want walkability, then yeah this place is great. But if nightlife matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
21 upvotes
Ezra
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in The Heights for 6 years. Moved from Charlotte for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is tough - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. The Heights schools are pretty good. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Homeless population growing downtown. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
17 upvotes
Luna
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
11 upvotes
Angela C.
Weather-wise, the summers are tough and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.
8 upvotes
sunny_james91
as a local I can confirm
4 upvotes
orlandoguy2024
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Nashville about 11 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good healthcare facilities
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are established, gas is challenging.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Good luck with whatever you decide..
1 upvotes
Kinsley M.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Internet is average in most areas.
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