Does this match your experience? Thanks for reading. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
18 upvotes
12 Replies
Liam L.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 40, moved here 6 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Eastside and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The housing market situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for couples. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
39 upvotes
alice_mind
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
32 upvotes
Alexa W.
same here
28 upvotes
Charlotte Walker
As someone who grew up here, it's been a really good experience overall. A lot has changed in the past few years though. weather used to be much wild but now it's improving.
24 upvotes
Jason W.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Houston about 8 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Active local events and festivals
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are competitive, gas is decent.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. No regrets on my end..
24 upvotes
Sofia
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because the quality of life is solid. The weather is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
18 upvotes
Parker
yeah no that's not right
16 upvotes
Liam S.
glad someone said it
15 upvotes
Josiah
As someone who grew up here, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. A lot has changed in the past few years though. traffic used to be much growing but now it's average.
12 upvotes
Charlotte Wright
I've lived in Westside for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Houston, 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
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- The food scene scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for retirees. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
8 upvotes
Emilia C.
noted, appreciate it
3 upvotes
Luke Turner
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 14 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset schools are improving. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Nightlife is limited. Chain restaurants dominate. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.