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Sharon C.
best-worst
Worst things about Graton nobody talks about
Hi all, Military spouse here. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Is this normal for Graton?
3 upvotes
8 Replies
Lillian Hall
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 9 years. Moved from Miami for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is decent - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are underrated. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in South for 9 years. Moved from Miami for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is decent - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are underrated. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Helen F.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 11 years. Moved from Atlanta for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is decent - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are hit or miss. 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 public transit options. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Old Town for 11 years. Moved from Atlanta for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is decent - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are hit or miss. 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 public transit options. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
Kevin R.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Baltimore 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 The Heights. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in government. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Definitely worth checking out..
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in The Heights. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in government. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Definitely worth checking out..
31 upvotes
Jean A.
I've lived in Downtown for about 1 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 Boston, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Lots of new development happening
- The housing market scene is tough
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Lots of new development happening
- The housing market scene is tough
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
29 upvotes
Samuel Brown
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 5 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
I've been here 5 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
29 upvotes
Maya
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Dallas about 4 years ago. The main reasons were family and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good internet infrastructure
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Rising rent and home prices
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are reasonable, gas is excellent.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Happy to answer more specific questions..
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Dallas about 4 years ago. The main reasons were family and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good internet infrastructure
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Rising rent and home prices
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are reasonable, gas is excellent.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Happy to answer more specific questions..
13 upvotes
Ava Wood
I'm a nurse and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. The community is average and there's always something going on.
12 upvotes
Brooklyn
Moved here last year, no regrets.
1 upvotes