Alright, We have two kids and The median home value here is around $765,500, which is pretty steep. With a population of 171K, Garden Grove is a mid-size city. You can expect to pay around $1,971 for rent here. The unemployment rate is 3.7%, which is pretty low. The weather takes some getting used to. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Any advice would be great. The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
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Hailey Garcia
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 50, moved here 15 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Highland and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Strong sense of community
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Limited shopping options
3. The public transit situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for families. improving vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Boston, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.