OK so We have two kids and The unemployment rate is 1.6%, which is pretty low. It's a a small town city with about 15,785 people. Poverty rate is 12.0%, which is around average. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Am I overthinking this? The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The weather takes some getting used to. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The suburbs are where most families end up. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
0 upvotes
14 Replies
Mateo C.
yep
40 upvotes
Parker Watson
100%
23 upvotes
Elijah Ruiz
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 50, moved here 12 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Old Town and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The public transit situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for families. improving vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 Baltimore, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K 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.
17 upvotes
Declan H.
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
17 upvotes
Genesis Hall
Public transit is excellent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
16 upvotes
Santiago Lewis
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Miami about 14 years ago. The main reasons were weather and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Lots of new development happening
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are wild, gas is excellent.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. No regrets on my end..
14 upvotes
Kathleen R.
Used to live on the Pine Hills side, now on the South side. Completely different vibe. it exceeded my expectations.
13 upvotes
Elijah W.
This.
13 upvotes
Nora Torres
Totally agree!
9 upvotes
Maya
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
8 upvotes
Jennifer E.
I've been living here for 3 years and I'd say I'm still on the fence after all this time. The cultural scene is better than expected compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
7 upvotes
Avery Diaz
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 14 years. Moved from Dallas for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
hospitality 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:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is tough - 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. Limited high-paying job options. Can feel isolated. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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