OK so With a population of 1,094, La Honda is a small town. What are your go-to spots? Appreciate any input.
9 upvotes
7 Replies
Caleb Scott
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 40, moved here 11 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Oak Park and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The housing market situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for retirees. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Baltimore, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
38 upvotes
Sebastian Harris
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from LA about 1 years ago. The main reasons were work and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Lots of new development happening
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Winters are long and cold
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are stable, gas is improving.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Definitely worth checking out..
37 upvotes
Connor A.
I'm a contractor and I've found I love the pace of life here. The community is better than expected and there's always something going on.
32 upvotes
raised_mateo59
Came here for retirement and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The traffic is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
29 upvotes
Autumn Reyes
Moved here from Pittsburgh about 2 years ago. I genuinely enjoy living here. Still getting used to safety but No regrets on my end..
25 upvotes
Julian Price
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 26, moved here 2 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Oak Park and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The healthcare situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for remote workers. excellent vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Portland, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $90K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
24 upvotes
Carter
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely tough and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Downtown) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Can feel isolated.
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.