Hi all, I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Median household income is $138,758, which feels pretty solid for the area. Rent is about $2,027/month for a decent place. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
2 upvotes
19 Replies
Andrew Thompson
I'm a physical therapist and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
39 upvotes
Victoria L.
This.
37 upvotes
lake_riley16
yep
36 upvotes
Emilia Hill
been saying this for years
35 upvotes
Nova Johnson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Chicago and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in West. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
30 upvotes
Kai B.
We moved here with our family and it was the best decision I ever made. Schools in Oak Park area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
30 upvotes
Theodore Bailey
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Seattle about 6 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good schools in most areas
- Good healthcare facilities
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are affordable, gas is solid.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
27 upvotes
Aurora Perez
Used to live on the Pine Hills side, now on the Fairview side. Completely different vibe. it exceeded my expectations.
27 upvotes
Harper Collins
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 38, moved here 4 years ago from LA. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Great outdoor activities nearby
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The food scene situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for singles. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 LA, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $60K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
26 upvotes
Leo Johnson
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Compared to Seattle it's average.
26 upvotes
Mackenzie Mitchell
seconding this
24 upvotes
Jack Parker
I've lived in East for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good healthcare facilities
- The housing market scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for couples. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
22 upvotes
Isaac Ramirez
been saying this for years
16 upvotes
Sophia Anderson
I've been living here for 9 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The nightlife is excellent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..
15 upvotes
Brittany C.
100%
15 upvotes
Everly L.
Moved here from Atlanta about 12 years ago. it's exactly what I was looking for. Still getting used to pet-friendliness but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
11 upvotes
Weston Jones
I've lived in Sunset for about 9 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 Atlanta, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Close to major attractions
- The weather scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for remote workers. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
6 upvotes
Samuel B.
Can confirm, been here 5 years.
3 upvotes
oaklandliving2024
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Raleigh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Fairview. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in retail. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Italian.
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