I'm retired and It's a a small town city with about 16,729 people. With a population of 16,729, Fullerton is a small town. Average temperature is around 53--F, so expect cold winters. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
Pros:
- Affordable cost of living
- Friendly people
- Walkable downtown
- Plenty of shopping options
- Good airport connections
Cons:
- Lack of diversity
- Boring for young people
- Far from major airports
- Homelessness issues downtown
- Not enough green space
The weather takes some getting used to. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The weather takes some getting used to. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
12 upvotes
14 Replies
Aurora Robinson
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want job market, then yeah this place is great. But if healthcare matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
39 upvotes
Brielle Price
I've been living here for 5 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The job market is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
33 upvotes
Mia Wilson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from New York and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Midtown. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in government. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
31 upvotes
Audrey Wilson
100%
30 upvotes
Emma Collins
Saving this thread
18 upvotes
Brooks Richardson
I've lived in Downtown for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from New York, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The traffic scene is tough
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Urban sprawl is real
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for couples. Definitely worth checking out..
16 upvotes
Isabelle C.
facts
14 upvotes
Harper N.
The food scene here is underrated. Tons of great farm-to-table places. it exceeded my expectations.
13 upvotes
Adam
honestly same experience here
12 upvotes
Brooks Collins
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely improving and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Downtown) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Pittsburgh, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Road conditions need improvement.
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.
10 upvotes
Scarlett Watson
wish I knew this sooner
10 upvotes
Connor Carter
interesting, hadn't considered that
10 upvotes
tulsaheart2020
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 43, moved here 10 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The weather situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for singles. decent vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $40K-$80K 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.
6 upvotes
Savannah Anderson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Maple Ridge for 4 years. Moved from Boston for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly 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:**
finance is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is average - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Maple Ridge schools are solid. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Urban sprawl is real. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.