Hey everyone, Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. What would you do?
14 upvotes
8 Replies
Donna M.
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 6 years here, that's my honest assessment.
34 upvotes
Shirley G.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 56, moved here 5 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Sunset and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Property taxes are high
3. The job market situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for young professionals. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 Phoenix, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$140K 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.
32 upvotes
Evelyn W.
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
28 upvotes
Alexander M.
thanks for sharing
15 upvotes
sd_victoria
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The cultural scene is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
15 upvotes
Carson G.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from New York about 14 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Affordable housing options
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are manageable, gas is tough.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. It's not for everyone but it works for us..