Anyone else feel this way? Military spouse here. You can expect to pay around $961 for rent here. Homes are going for about $114,800 on average. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
14 upvotes
10 Replies
Scarlett Williams
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 1 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Midtown side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
40 upvotes
Isaac Torres
I've lived in Sunset for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good internet infrastructure
- The community vibe scene is decent
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. Happy to answer more specific questions..
40 upvotes
Harper J.
I'm a writer and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
38 upvotes
happy_eliana31
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 4 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
33 upvotes
Genesis Bailey
as a local I can confirm
25 upvotes
Sophie Bennett
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
17 upvotes
Victoria Rodriguez
The food scene here is better than expected. Tons of great farm-to-table places. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
8 upvotes
Aiden Lopez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from San Diego about 6 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Dating scene is rough
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are wild, gas is solid.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
6 upvotes
Chloe Rogers
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 7 years. Moved from Dallas for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is average - we have rivers 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 underrated. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Can feel isolated. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
3 upvotes
Victoria Parker
The food scene here is pretty good. Tons of great Southern places. it's improved dramatically in recent years.