Longtime lurker here, I'm retired and It's a a small town city with about 6,000 people. The unemployment rate is 1.1%, which is pretty low. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Should I be concerned?
6 upvotes
14 Replies
Cameron Harris
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want school system, then yeah this place is great. But if nightlife matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
37 upvotes
Lori L.
The food scene here is decent. Tons of great Asian places. it was the best decision I ever made.
27 upvotes
Lillian H.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 54, moved here 13 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Greenfield and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The dating scene situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for retirees. decent vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 Houston, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
24 upvotes
Waylon Carter
facts
18 upvotes
Ava Lopez
Totally agree!
12 upvotes
Dylan Carter
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Compared to Baltimore it's underrated.
12 upvotes
Zoe
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 11 years. Moved from Atlanta for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2022 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset schools are surprisingly 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. Road conditions need improvement. Limited shopping options. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Jayden Jones
I've been living here for 5 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The job market is decent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
7 upvotes
Katherine Wood
Public transit is solid here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
5 upvotes
Thomas G.
Public transit is tough here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
5 upvotes
Emmett L.
hard disagree but ok
4 upvotes
Leah Cruz
noted, appreciate it
3 upvotes
Aurora B.
I'm a sales manager and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. The community is solid and there's always something going on.
1 upvotes
Aaliyah Cook
I'm a teacher and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is tough and there's always something going on.