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Sarah moving

Moving to Long Beach with kids — good idea?

So, I'm retired and Average temperature is around 61°F, so the weather is moderate. The unemployment rate is 4.3%, which is about average. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The suburbs are where most families end up. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
37 upvotes

4 Replies

Ryan S.
Used to live on the Springfield side, now on the Sunset side. Completely different vibe. I love the pace of life here.
34 upvotes
Claire Morris
This.
12 upvotes
Silas C.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in North for 15 years. Moved from Chicago for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.

**Employment:**
government is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is improving - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Dating scene is rough. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Ariana Hall
great question, following
9 upvotes
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