Hello, I'm a remote worker and Homes are going for about $813,700 on average. Crime rate is something to consider -Hawthorne sits at 728.5 per 100K. Median household income is $72,719, which feels about average for the area. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Any advice would be great. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The city has invested a lot in new development. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
29 upvotes
7 Replies
Elijah Cruz
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 2 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good schools in most areas
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Urban sprawl is real
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are developing, gas is tough.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. No regrets on my end..
40 upvotes
Weston T.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely tough and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
32 upvotes
Dominic Wood
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in Highland area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
30 upvotes
Leah Ramirez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 47, moved here 8 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Maple Ridge and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The outdoor recreation situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for couples. decent vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$120K 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.
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