First post here. I'm a nurse at the local hospital and With a population of 34,584, Manhattan Beach is a smaller city. The unemployment rate is 2.7%, which is pretty low. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Would love some local perspective. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
7 upvotes
7 Replies
Diane C.
literally same
40 upvotes
James Brown
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 29, moved here 3 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in South and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good schools in most areas
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. Property taxes are high
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The weather situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for retirees. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Chicago, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
35 upvotes
Paisley Price
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want nightlife, then yeah this place is great. But if cost of living matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
28 upvotes
Nolan G.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Miami about 6 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are stable, gas is average.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Happy to answer more specific questions..
24 upvotes
Luke Lee
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's exactly what I was looking for. Internet is challenging in most areas.
24 upvotes
Aubrey
I've lived in Sunset for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from New York, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good schools in most areas
- The public transit scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Limited entertainment options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. Definitely worth checking out..
All Countries
