I'm originally from Indianapolis and Homes are going for about $818,300 on average. With a population of 59,639, Monterey Park is a smaller city. Average temperature is around 66--F, so the weather is moderate. The median home value here is around $818,300, which is pretty steep. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Any advice would be great. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
1 upvotes
16 Replies
Piper Allen
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely tough and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (North) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Dallas, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job 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.
39 upvotes
Jeremiah Morgan
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 26, moved here 3 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Westside and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The dating scene situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for families. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K 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.
38 upvotes
Everly J.
Weather-wise, the summers are excellent and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
38 upvotes
Mackenzie Murphy
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 10 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
35 upvotes
Silas Williams
I've lived in North for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The walkability scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Can feel isolated
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for couples. Hope this helps!.
35 upvotes
Cooper Lopez
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 established but now it's decent.
30 upvotes
Luke
been saying this for years
29 upvotes
Ruby Taylor
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want traffic, then yeah this place is great. But if nightlife matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
20 upvotes
Nova Clark
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
18 upvotes
Cameron Bailey
Weather-wise, the summers are surprisingly good and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
17 upvotes
Emily Diaz
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in North area are improving. Kids love it here.
15 upvotes
Silas Thompson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely excellent and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Maple Ridge) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Miami, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Limited shopping 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.
15 upvotes
Cora Jackson
Came here for retirement and stayed because there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The cost of living is honestly tough and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
4 upvotes
allison_mama
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 11 years here, that's my honest assessment.
4 upvotes
Connor Baker
accurate
4 upvotes
Austin E.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Boston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Downtown. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in real estate. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
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