Hey, I relocated for work and Poverty rate is 9.4%, which is pretty low. With a population of 171K, Garden Grove is a mid-size city. Homes are going for about $765,500 on average. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Let me know your thoughts. The suburbs are where most families end up. The suburbs are where most families end up. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The city has invested a lot in new development. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The city has invested a lot in new development. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
8 upvotes
7 Replies
Natalie
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 2 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
39 upvotes
Wesley Ramos
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 26, moved here 14 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Oak Park and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The dating scene situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for families. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Houston, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $80K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
37 upvotes
Jacob Campbell
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want healthcare, then yeah this place is great. But if dating scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
22 upvotes
Sarah Howard
Moved here from Seattle about 9 years ago. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Still getting used to dating scene but Happy to answer more specific questions..
21 upvotes
Nancy K.
Can confirm, been here 4 years.
16 upvotes
Arianna Campbell
been saying this for years
13 upvotes
Leah Peterson
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it was the best decision I ever made. Internet is solid in most areas.