Hello, I'm a remote worker and Crime rate is something to consider -Montebello sits at 284.1 per 100K. Homes are going for about $660,700 on average. Poverty rate is 9.3%, which is pretty low. Average temperature is around 66--F, so the weather is moderate. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The city has invested a lot in new development. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
18 upvotes
12 Replies
Carter Brooks
As someone who grew up here, it exceeded my expectations. A lot has changed in the past few years though. job market used to be much competitive but now it's challenging.
40 upvotes
Ryan C.
literally same
40 upvotes
Colton Peterson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 51, moved here 8 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Fairview and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Active local events and festivals
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The traffic situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for young professionals. pretty good 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 Boston, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$120K 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.
37 upvotes
Gabriella Collins
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Tampa and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Pine Hills. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Indian.
No regrets on my end..
28 upvotes
Kinsley Reed
Bought a house here in 2018 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
27 upvotes
Jayden Ward
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. the quality of life is solid.
24 upvotes
Lydia F.
Public transit is tough here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
19 upvotes
Sofia Rivera
Moved here last year, no regrets.
9 upvotes
Billy J.
preach
9 upvotes
Genesis Ramos
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Boston about 9 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Affordable housing options
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are established, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Good luck with whatever you decide..
8 upvotes
Jose Perez
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in Midtown area are improving. Kids love it here.
8 upvotes
Grayson Ward
I've lived in Eastside for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Decent public transit for the size
- The cost of living scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. Feel free to reach out with questions..
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