Rent is about $1,546/month for a decent place. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
26 upvotes
3 Replies
denver_eliana
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely hit or miss and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (South) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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
Elena Miller
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 46, moved here 9 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in East and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Close to major attractions
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The food scene situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for retirees. solid vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Chicago, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $50K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
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