Been meaning to ask this. I grew up here but left for a while. Poverty rate is 4.4%, which is pretty low. Crime rate is something to consider -Murrieta sits at 66.1 per 100K. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Has anyone dealt with this? Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
18 upvotes
25 Replies
Kayden Wright
I've lived in Midtown for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Active local events and festivals
- Close to major attractions
- The healthcare scene is decent
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Summers can be brutally hot
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for singles. Definitely worth checking out..
39 upvotes
Riley Young
wish I knew this sooner
38 upvotes
Elijah Ward
I work in healthcare here and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The job market for my field is average. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
31 upvotes
Caroline Anderson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Miami and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in East. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in education. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Definitely worth checking out..
25 upvotes
Jacob W.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
25 upvotes
Maya R.
I've lived in North for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Atlanta, 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
- Good healthcare facilities
- The housing market scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for singles. Definitely worth checking out..
24 upvotes
bostongirl2024
I've lived in Oak Park for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Houston, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The nightlife scene is challenging
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for families. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
22 upvotes
Jayden
interesting, hadn't considered that
21 upvotes
Benjamin Cooper
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it exceeded my expectations. Compared to Seattle it's tough.
20 upvotes
Donna M.
I've lived in Lakewood for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The food scene scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for families. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
20 upvotes
Leah Nelson
following this thread
19 upvotes
Alice Hernandez
My experience has been mostly positive. I'm still on the fence after all this time. The only thing I'd watch out for is cultural scene. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
18 upvotes
Sharon K.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
18 upvotes
Ariana Ruiz
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely better than expected and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare 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.
18 upvotes
Jameson Castillo
yeah no that's not right
15 upvotes
Carter M.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want outdoor recreation, then yeah this place is great. But if public transit matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
15 upvotes
Bennett Cox
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Raleigh about 13 years ago. The main reasons were weather and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are growing, gas is improving.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
15 upvotes
Addison Garcia
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Raleigh about 15 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good healthcare facilities
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are pricey, gas is underrated.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
14 upvotes
Aurora P.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want pet-friendliness, then yeah this place is great. But if pet-friendliness matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
13 upvotes
Elizabeth R.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is safety. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Worth doing your research before committing.
9 upvotes
Christopher L.
honestly same experience here
7 upvotes
Leo M.
I've lived in Fairview for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Active local events and festivals
- The weather scene is tough
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for singles. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
6 upvotes
Anna M.
I've lived in Fairview for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Salt Lake City, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The traffic scene is tough
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for families. Happy to answer more specific questions..
2 upvotes
Silas Edwards
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 32, moved here 9 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in East and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Can feel isolated
3. The outdoor recreation situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for remote workers. decent vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Baltimore, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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
Willie W.
I work in construction here and the quality of life is solid. The job market for my field is improving. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
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