Thinking about relocating to Hawthorne from San Diego
OK so I've been here for 15 years and Poverty rate is 13.3%, which is around average. Rent is about $1,723/month for a decent place. The weather takes some getting used to. The city has invested a lot in new development. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. What neighborhoods would you suggest? People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The suburbs are where most families end up. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
0 upvotes
12 Replies
Isabelle J.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 56, moved here 10 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Riverside and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The walkability situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for retirees. underrated 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 Minneapolis, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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
Valentina H.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 5 years. Moved from LA for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. finance 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 genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown schools are tough. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Limited shopping options. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Nolan Ruiz
Can confirm, been here 3 years.
32 upvotes
Ashley R.
honestly same experience here
31 upvotes
Ezekiel Garcia
seconding this
29 upvotes
Kinsley
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Pittsburgh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Downtown. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in construction. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
25 upvotes
Waylon Jackson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Nashville and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in South. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
24 upvotes
Ryan E.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Phoenix and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Springfield. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in retail. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
19 upvotes
Samuel E.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in The Heights for 14 years. Moved from Miami for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. healthcare 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:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. The Heights schools are pretty 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. Nightlife is limited. Far from beaches/mountains. And nightlife 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.
12 upvotes
phoenixsoul2025
Bought a house here in 2017 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
11 upvotes
Piper Diaz
I've been living here for 11 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The housing market is pretty good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
1 upvotes
Luke Campbell
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I have mixed feelings honestly. Internet is underrated in most areas.
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