Hey everyone, We're a young couple and Crime rate is something to consider -La Habra sits at 224.3 per 100K. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Should I be concerned? Looking forward to hearing from you all. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
17 upvotes
7 Replies
Joseph
100%
39 upvotes
Luca J.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely challenging and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Westside) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
37 upvotes
Eva Hall
seconding this
36 upvotes
Angel Baker
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from San Diego about 11 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Decent public transit for the size
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are growing, gas is excellent.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
28 upvotes
Colton C.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Springfield) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Miami, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
24 upvotes
Genesis Peterson
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want pet-friendliness, then yeah this place is great. But if job market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
15 upvotes
Isla Flores
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 15 years. Moved from Seattle for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside schools are solid. 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 shopping options. Homeless population growing downtown. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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