Hi all, My partner and I are Average temperature is around 57--F, so the weather is moderate. With a population of 29,772, Monterey is a smaller city. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Property taxes are high but you get good services. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
24 upvotes
3 Replies
Avery
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Atlanta about 5 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Diverse dining options
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are affordable, gas is underrated.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Good luck with whatever you decide..
39 upvotes
Sophie Wood
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 13 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
24 upvotes
Luna White
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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