Just moved here 5 months ago and Poverty rate is 3.8%, which is pretty low. The unemployment rate is 0.9%, which is pretty low. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Am I overthinking this? Cheers. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
9 upvotes
7 Replies
Aurora Hughes
good to know, thanks
40 upvotes
Jeremiah Myers
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 5 years. Moved from New York for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown 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. Property taxes are high. Limited shopping options. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
37 upvotes
Ian Rodriguez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely solid and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Highland) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. job market 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.
36 upvotes
Emma Rodriguez
thanks for sharing
13 upvotes
Christine D.
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.
5 upvotes
Valentina Johnson
as a local I can confirm
3 upvotes
Quinn Gomez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Houston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Riverside. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in construction. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
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