First post here. I'm originally from Sacramento and The unemployment rate is 0.2%, which is pretty low. The suburbs are where most families end up. The weather takes some getting used to. Let me know your thoughts.
9 upvotes
12 Replies
Anna H.
As someone who grew up here, the quality of life is solid. A lot has changed in the past few years though. healthcare used to be much competitive but now it's challenging.
32 upvotes
Sarah B.
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in North area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
28 upvotes
Nevaeh Brooks
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Salt Lake City and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in East. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in education. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
26 upvotes
Kayden Mendoza
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 13 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
25 upvotes
mesa_camila
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 8 years. Moved from Portland for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is improving - we have lakes 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 hit or miss. 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. Limited high-paying job options. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And housing market 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.
21 upvotes
Everett Edwards
We moved here with our family and it's been a really good experience overall. Schools in Westside area are tough. Kids love it here.
17 upvotes
Eleanor Y.
Saving this thread
14 upvotes
Jacqueline R.
I've lived in Uptown for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good internet infrastructure
- The food scene scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Winters are long and cold
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. Hope this helps!.
13 upvotes
elizabeth_vibes
+1
9 upvotes
Henry Ross
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. Feel free to reach out with questions..
7 upvotes
Ellie Cook
I've lived in Sunset for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Close to major attractions
- Strong sense of community
- The pet-friendliness scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Limited shopping options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Hope this helps!.
5 upvotes
Gabriel
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Denver about 6 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Close to major attractions
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are established, gas is excellent.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Happy to answer more specific questions..
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