So, Crime rate is something to consider — Fullerton sits at 266.1 per 100K. Property taxes are high but you get good services. What would you do? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
54 upvotes
18 Replies
Mason Bennett
I've lived in The Heights for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good healthcare facilities
- The school system scene is solid
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. No regrets on my end..
38 upvotes
Caroline
I work in legal here and it's exactly what I was looking for. The job market for my field is excellent. Definitely worth checking out..
37 upvotes
Lydia P.
Public transit is hit or miss here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
37 upvotes
Oliver Brown
Bought a house here in 2021 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
36 upvotes
Caroline Cook
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 41, moved here 6 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Lakewood and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Can feel isolated
3. The nightlife situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for young professionals. average vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Nashville, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$130K 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.
35 upvotes
Mary W.
wish I knew this sooner
33 upvotes
Serenity Allen
Moved here from Houston about 3 years ago. I have mixed feelings honestly. Still getting used to nightlife but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
31 upvotes
Melissa B.
I've lived in Riverside for about 7 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 Seattle, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Four distinct seasons
- The nightlife scene is average
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for families. Definitely worth checking out..
25 upvotes
Isaiah Martinez
Bought a house here in 2023 and the quality of life is solid. Property values have gone about the same since then.
25 upvotes
Brooks
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely excellent and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Old Town) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Nashville, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
21 upvotes
Brielle Gonzalez
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it was the best decision I ever made. Internet is excellent in most areas.
16 upvotes
Nathan
as a local I can confirm
14 upvotes
Victoria Richardson
lol so true
13 upvotes
Nevaeh M.
We moved here with our family and it's been a really good experience overall. Schools in Old Town area are average. Kids love it here.
11 upvotes
Jeremiah Ross
been saying this for years
10 upvotes
kc_weston
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is food scene. it's exactly what I was looking for. Worth doing your research before committing.
10 upvotes
Philip L.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 35, moved here 11 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Oak Park and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The outdoor recreation situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for singles. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 San Francisco, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $50K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
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