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Anna F.
living
What's it really like living in Monterey?
OK so Median household income is $104,110, which feels pretty solid for the area.
15 upvotes
9 Replies
Ezekiel Nelson
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
37 upvotes
Amelia Reed
Used to live on the South side, now on the Pine Hills side. Completely different vibe. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
36 upvotes
Alexa Cook
not my experience at all
32 upvotes
Andrew Thompson
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
30 upvotes
Paul C.
this is the way
25 upvotes
Aaron Cox
I've lived in Greenfield for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Decent public transit for the size
- The safety scene is tough
The downsides:
- Limited shopping options
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. Definitely worth checking out..
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Decent public transit for the size
- The safety scene is tough
The downsides:
- Limited shopping options
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. Definitely worth checking out..
17 upvotes
Jacob Price
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Atlanta and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Sunset. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Asian.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Sunset. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Asian.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
9 upvotes
Nova James
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely pretty good and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (South) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely pretty good and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (South) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
1 upvotes
Isaiah Reed
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 55, moved here 3 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Oak Park and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The school system situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for singles. decent vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 San Francisco, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
Background: I'm a writer, 55, moved here 3 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Oak Park and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The school system situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for singles. decent vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 San Francisco, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
0 upvotes