Hi all, I'm originally from Seattle and It's a a small town city with about 3,213 people. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
6 upvotes
8 Replies
serenity_rider
Hot take but I'm still on the fence after all this time. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
40 upvotes
Sadie Phillips
I've lived in Sunset for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Lots of new development happening
- The walkability scene is improving
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for families. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
38 upvotes
Madeline Robinson
good to know, thanks
35 upvotes
Julian Miller
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 48, moved here 14 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Westside and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Low crime in most neighborhoods
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The traffic situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for remote workers. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Nashville, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $80K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
33 upvotes
Addison Howard
Weather-wise, the summers are hit or miss and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
26 upvotes
Jose Ross
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 25, moved here 9 years ago from New York. I've lived in Oak Park and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Strong sense of community
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The cultural scene situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for remote workers. average vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$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.
3 upvotes
Gianna Phillips
accurate
3 upvotes
David B.
Weather-wise, the summers are hit or miss and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.