OK so I'm originally from San Diego and Household incomes average around $83,668 in Grand Terrace. Poverty rate is 4.6%, which is pretty low. Crime rate is something to consider -Grand Terrace sits at 292.5 per 100K. Average temperature is around 65--F, so the weather is moderate. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
13 upvotes
8 Replies
Reagan Long
My experience has been mostly positive. it's been a really good experience overall. The only thing I'd watch out for is public transit. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..
38 upvotes
Wyatt White
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 13 years. Moved from Raleigh for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. education 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:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is underrated - 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. East schools are pretty good. 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. Limited high-paying job options. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
Peyton King
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Portland and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Old Town. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Hope this helps!.
29 upvotes
Nolan G.
Moved here from New York about 8 years ago. I genuinely enjoy living here. Still getting used to job market but Good luck with whatever you decide..
26 upvotes
Dylan R.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want pet-friendliness, then yeah this place is great. But if outdoor recreation matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
23 upvotes
Parker Thompson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 29, moved here 6 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Lakewood and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The weather situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for singles. solid vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is growing. 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.
9 upvotes
Abigail
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 36, moved here 1 years ago from Austin. I've lived in The Heights and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited entertainment options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The healthcare situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for remote workers. challenging 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 Austin, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$100K 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.
3 upvotes
Charlotte Kelly
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Cedar Grove. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in government. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Indian.
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