Curious what people think. Poverty rate is 9.3%, which is pretty low. The median home value here is around $660,700, which is pretty steep. With a population of 61,376, Montebello is a smaller city. Average temperature is around 66--F, so the weather is moderate. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The weather takes some getting used to. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The weather takes some getting used to. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
16 upvotes
14 Replies
Aurora
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 7 years. Moved from New York for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Highland schools are underrated. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Limited shopping options. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Hazel Thomas
Bought a house here in 2017 and it exceeded my expectations. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
39 upvotes
Alice Taylor
Moved here from Tampa about 2 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to cultural scene but Good luck with whatever you decide..
39 upvotes
Sophie Stewart
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 14 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
36 upvotes
Olivia Walker
The food scene here is excellent. Tons of great Asian places. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
36 upvotes
Scarlett Kelly
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely improving and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Highland) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
35 upvotes
Everett
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 13 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 San Diego, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good internet infrastructure
- The community vibe scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for young professionals. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
32 upvotes
Catherine T.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Compared to Atlanta it's excellent.
16 upvotes
Amelia Smith
My experience has been mostly positive. I love the pace of life here. The only thing I'd watch out for is pet-friendliness. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..
8 upvotes
Waylon Thomas
I've lived in Sunset for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Affordable housing options
- The job market scene is solid
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Feel free to reach out with questions..
7 upvotes
Theodore G.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Boston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in South. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
5 upvotes
Isaiah Brooks
hard disagree but ok
5 upvotes
Nolan K.
Saving this thread
4 upvotes
Aaron M.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want food scene, then yeah this place is great. But if dating scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
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