Hi all, I'm a college student here and Poverty rate is 0.8%, which is pretty low. The median home value here is around $586,300, which is pretty steep. Median household income is $118,723, which feels pretty solid for the area. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The city has invested a lot in new development. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The weather takes some getting used to.
10 upvotes
7 Replies
Gianna Lee
great question, following
32 upvotes
nashville_ella
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from New York about 10 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are wild, gas is underrated.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Good luck with whatever you decide..
26 upvotes
Jonathan
hmm interesting perspective
21 upvotes
Grayson Kelly
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. the quality of life is solid. Internet is underrated in most areas.
19 upvotes
Ian T.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 32, moved here 8 years ago from LA. I've lived in Sunset and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The cost of living situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for families. underrated vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 LA, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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
Jameson S.
I've lived in Old Town for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- The public transit scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. Happy to answer more specific questions..
8 upvotes
Hazel Brown
I'm a nurse and I've found it exceeded my expectations. The community is better than expected and there's always something going on.
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