OK so Household incomes average around $140,605 in Laguna Niguel. You can expect to pay around $2,819 for rent here. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
20 upvotes
13 Replies
austin_aiden
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 14 years. Moved from Dallas for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. engineering 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:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is tough - 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. Midtown schools are better than expected. 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. Rising rent and home prices. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
milwaukeeliving2023
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from New York about 11 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good airport with direct flights
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are developing, gas is better than expected.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
39 upvotes
Autumn Ortiz
The food scene here is better than expected. Tons of great farm-to-table places. it's been a really good experience overall.
31 upvotes
Ruby
Hot take but the quality of life is solid. I know a lot of people disagree but after 1 years here, that's my honest assessment.
28 upvotes
Lydia Morgan
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Boston about 8 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are reasonable, gas is average.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
27 upvotes
Rylee Foster
Totally agree!
16 upvotes
Lillian
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 2 years. Moved from Charlotte for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2018 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Highland schools are pretty good. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Dating scene is rough. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
14 upvotes
Ruby S.
wish I knew this sooner
13 upvotes
Ella Wilson
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it's been a really good experience overall. Compared to Charlotte it's surprisingly good.
13 upvotes
Victoria C.
I've been living here for 13 years and I'd say the quality of life is solid. The nightlife is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
10 upvotes
Nora Price
Can confirm, been here 11 years.
9 upvotes
Nevaeh P.
this is the way
5 upvotes
Serenity Castillo
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 3 years. Moved from Phoenix for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is improving - 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. Fairview 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. Can feel isolated. Bugs and humidity in summer. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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