I'm a nurse at the local hospital and It's a a small town city with about 1,292 people. Crime rate is something to consider -LaBarque Creek sits at 310.1 per 100K. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The food scene here is surprisingly good. What neighborhoods would you suggest? Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The suburbs are where most families end up.
8 upvotes
7 Replies
Eleanor R.
following this thread
39 upvotes
Jack Foster
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 15 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Greenfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
26 upvotes
Daniel Brown
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 8 years. Moved from Raleigh for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. legal 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:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset schools are decent. 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. Nightlife is limited. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
Joseph Lee
I'm a sales manager and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. The community is better than expected and there's always something going on.
23 upvotes
Katherine Stewart
Public transit is challenging here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it exceeded my expectations.
16 upvotes
Rylee T.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 24, moved here 8 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Highland and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Property taxes are high
3. The job market situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for retirees. solid vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 San Diego, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $100K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
11 upvotes
Alyssa C.
My experience has been mostly positive. it was the best decision I ever made. The only thing I'd watch out for is outdoor recreation. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..
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