First post here. I'm a college student here and It's a a small town city with about 10,473 people. Average temperature is around 56--F, so the weather is moderate. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Thoughts? Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to.
10 upvotes
8 Replies
Leonardo Anderson
lol so true
40 upvotes
Isabelle Richardson
literally same
40 upvotes
Genesis Alvarez
I'm a electrician and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. The community is challenging and there's always something going on.
24 upvotes
Jonathan F.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from LA about 11 years ago. The main reasons were school and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Nice parks and green spaces
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are wild, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Happy to answer more specific questions..
22 upvotes
Isabelle Richardson
it depends on the neighborhood
18 upvotes
Lillian Foster
I've lived in Sunset for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good healthcare facilities
- The traffic scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for singles. Good luck with whatever you decide..
16 upvotes
Nora Cook
Weather-wise, the summers are average and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
13 upvotes
Eli
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely better than expected and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Highland) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic 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.