Should I move to Little Elm or stay in San Francisco?
Alright, I grew up here but left for a while. Average temperature is around 65--F, so the weather is moderate. Median household income is $116,036, which feels pretty solid for the area. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The city has invested a lot in new development. The city has invested a lot in new development.
1 upvotes
9 Replies
Matthew L.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 54, moved here 4 years ago from New York. I've lived in The Heights and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Four distinct seasons
2. Close to major attractions
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The pet-friendliness situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for remote workers. better than expected 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 New York, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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
vegas_ethan
seconding this
37 upvotes
phoenixnative2021
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 39, moved here 10 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Sunset and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Close to major attractions
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The public transit situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for couples. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Raleigh, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$140K 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.
30 upvotes
Logan Johnson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely tough and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (South) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
27 upvotes
austin_delilah
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want healthcare, then yeah this place is great. But if community vibe matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
25 upvotes
Ellie Phillips
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Chicago and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in North. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in retail. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Korean.
No regrets on my end..
22 upvotes
Noah
I work in tech here and I love the pace of life here. The job market for my field is decent. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
21 upvotes
Maya H.
My experience has been mostly positive. I love the pace of life here. The only thing I'd watch out for is outdoor recreation. Other than that, Hope this helps!.
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