Hi all, I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Household incomes average around $56,952 in Huntington Park. You can expect to pay around $1,440 for rent here. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Am I overthinking this? TIA! The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
11 upvotes
15 Replies
Anna W.
As someone who grew up here, the quality of life is solid. A lot has changed in the past few years though. walkability used to be much affordable but now it's decent.
32 upvotes
Brielle
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Baltimore about 15 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good internet infrastructure
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Nightlife is limited
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are established, gas is challenging.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. No regrets on my end..
32 upvotes
Silas
seconding this
31 upvotes
Brielle Kelly
Came here for school and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The job market is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
29 upvotes
Samuel Gutierrez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 46, moved here 8 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Fairview and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The cultural scene situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for retirees. average vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Chicago, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K 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.
26 upvotes
phillysoul2021
Totally agree!
23 upvotes
Naomi Parker
Bought a house here in 2017 and I have mixed feelings honestly. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
22 upvotes
Everett Robinson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 15 years. Moved from Miami for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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. Old Town schools are better than expected. 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. Dating scene is rough. Far from beaches/mountains. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
17 upvotes
Serenity Mitchell
I've lived in Riverside for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Close to major attractions
- The walkability scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for singles. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
17 upvotes
Evan Mitchell
Totally agree!
16 upvotes
Julian K.
My experience has been mostly positive. it's been a really good experience overall. The only thing I'd watch out for is dating scene. Other than that, No regrets on my end..
16 upvotes
Dominic Wood
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Phoenix and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Greenfield. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in marketing. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
10 upvotes
Nicholas Roberts
I've lived in Midtown for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Decent public transit for the size
- The weather scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for remote workers. Good luck with whatever you decide..
10 upvotes
Everly Ruiz
This.
8 upvotes
Eva Johnson
I've lived in Riverside for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The healthcare scene is tough
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Rising rent and home prices
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. It's not for everyone but it works for us..