Hey everyone, Poverty rate is 5.9%, which is pretty low. With a population of 14,656, Greendale is a small town. Homes are going for about $289,600 on average. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The weather takes some getting used to. What would you do? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The weather takes some getting used to. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The food scene here is surprisingly good. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
11 upvotes
6 Replies
Anna C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 46, moved here 6 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Sunset and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Property taxes are high
3. The school system situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for retirees. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Miami, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $60K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
40 upvotes
Charlotte Patel
not my experience at all
10 upvotes
Maya R.
couldn't agree more
7 upvotes
Jackson Jackson
literally same
6 upvotes
Sophia Myers
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely solid and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (West) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
All Countries
