Curious what people think. I'm retired and The unemployment rate is 3.1%, which is pretty low. Household incomes average around $130,583 in Hercules. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
11 upvotes
22 Replies
Jose Lewis
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
40 upvotes
Chloe S.
seconding this
40 upvotes
Kathleen C.
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
32 upvotes
Greyson Thomas
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is housing market. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Worth doing your research before committing.
30 upvotes
Alexander
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 55, moved here 2 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Sunset and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The pet-friendliness situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for couples. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 Charlotte, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
30 upvotes
Axel C.
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good healthcare facilities
- The safety scene is tough
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
30 upvotes
Aurora Nelson
I'm a physical therapist and I've found I love the pace of life here. The community is tough and there's always something going on.
27 upvotes
Silas Gutierrez
I've been living here for 10 years and I'd say I love the pace of life here. The weather is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall Hope this helps!.
23 upvotes
Weston
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
23 upvotes
Natalie T.
Moved here from Miami about 14 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to community vibe but Good luck with whatever you decide..
22 upvotes
Kaylee Evans
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
21 upvotes
Wesley H.
As someone who grew up here, I love the pace of life here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. school system used to be much pricey but now it's solid.
19 upvotes
Valentina Morris
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 35, moved here 2 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Old Town and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The cost of living situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for singles. solid vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Portland, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$120K 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.
17 upvotes
Mason W.
big facts right here
16 upvotes
Olivia Ramos
it depends on the neighborhood
14 upvotes
Weston Anderson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Atlanta and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Sunset. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in legal. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
No regrets on my end..
13 upvotes
Peyton Morales
seconding this
13 upvotes
Cynthia W.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Houston about 3 years ago. The main reasons were weather and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are affordable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
11 upvotes
Scarlett Allen
seconding this
11 upvotes
Maya Brown
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Portland about 3 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Four distinct seasons
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are wild, gas is underrated.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Hope this helps!.
7 upvotes
Everly L.
spot on
5 upvotes
Arianna Perez
Public transit is pretty good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I love the pace of life here.
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