Couple moving to Idyllwild-Pine Cove from out of state
So, The median home value here is around $485,300, which is pretty steep. Poverty rate is 3.7%, which is pretty low. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
9 upvotes
13 Replies
loving_everly78
Bought a house here in 2023 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
34 upvotes
Zoe Ortiz
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 40, moved here 1 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Highland and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The safety situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for remote workers. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$150K 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.
34 upvotes
Isabella Reed
Moved here last year, no regrets.
33 upvotes
Kathryn W.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from San Francisco about 9 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Lots of new development happening
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are developing, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Feel free to reach out with questions..
25 upvotes
Hannah Y.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is safety. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Worth doing your research before committing.
22 upvotes
Stella Thompson
Public transit is tough here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it was the best decision I ever made.
22 upvotes
Scarlett Hernandez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in West. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in real estate. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Definitely worth checking out..
13 upvotes
Wyatt Mendoza
We moved here with our family and it was the best decision I ever made. Schools in Lakewood area are challenging. Kids love it here.
9 upvotes
Walter R.
Used to live on the Downtown side, now on the Riverside side. Completely different vibe. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
6 upvotes
Leonardo Scott
I'm a sales manager and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. The community is challenging and there's always something going on.
4 upvotes
Paisley S.
not my experience at all
0 upvotes
Hazel Ortiz
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is pet-friendliness. it's been a really good experience overall. Worth doing your research before committing.
0 upvotes
Brielle Torres
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I have mixed feelings honestly. Definitely worth checking out..
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