Random thought, We're a young couple and Crime rate is something to consider -La Crescenta-Montrose sits at 94.4 per 100K. Average temperature is around 65--F, so the weather is moderate. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
3 upvotes
9 Replies
sd_emmett
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 28, moved here 1 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Maple Ridge and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The nightlife situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for retirees. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Raleigh, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $50K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
33 upvotes
Elizabeth Gutierrez
Came here for cost of living and stayed because I genuinely enjoy living here. The school system is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
32 upvotes
Connor Cook
accurate
31 upvotes
Elena Cox
I'm a marketing manager and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. The community is average and there's always something going on.
27 upvotes
Luca Martinez
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Compared to Baltimore it's decent.
26 upvotes
Cooper
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 2 years. Moved from Atlanta for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up a bit 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:**
real estate is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is improving - we have ski resorts 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 average. 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 public transit options. Can feel isolated. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
15 upvotes
Judy G.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 12 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
12 upvotes
emmett_heart
accurate
10 upvotes
Alexa Chavez
As someone who grew up here, it's been a really good experience overall. A lot has changed in the past few years though. public transit used to be much developing but now it's hit or miss.
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