It's a a small town city with about 2,434 people. Homes are going for about $328,900 on average. Poverty rate is 12.9%, which is around average. The median home value here is around $328,900, which seems about average. Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
Pros:
- Growing food scene
- Walkable downtown
- Good airport connections
Cons:
- Limited public transit
- Hot summers
- Cold winters
- Rising rent prices
- Chain restaurants dominate
Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The city has invested a lot in new development. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The city has invested a lot in new development. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
11 upvotes
12 Replies
Katherine Jimenez
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is traffic. it's exactly what I was looking for. Worth doing your research before committing.
40 upvotes
Everly Parker
Can confirm, been here 12 years.
35 upvotes
happy_olivia93
following this thread
29 upvotes
Levi Young
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Denver and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Sunset. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in engineering. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Italian.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
24 upvotes
Gabriella
I've lived in Sunset for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good schools in most areas
- The dating scene scene is tough
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for couples. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
12 upvotes
Avery B.
Weather-wise, the summers are surprisingly good and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
11 upvotes
Maya Ramirez
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Good luck with whatever you decide..
8 upvotes
Piper Robinson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 6 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
7 upvotes
Daniel Rogers
Public transit is tough here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I genuinely enjoy living here.
4 upvotes
Eli C.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 9 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the Sunset side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
4 upvotes
Abigail
Hot take but it's exactly what I was looking for. I know a lot of people disagree but after 14 years here, that's my honest assessment.
1 upvotes
nyc_gianna
I've lived in South for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Active local events and festivals
- Close to major attractions
- The walkability scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for young professionals. Feel free to reach out with questions..
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