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Stella
housing
Affordable areas near Newport Beach?
Random thought, Crime rate is something to consider -Newport Beach sits at 158.2 per 100K. Thoughts?
22 upvotes
29 Replies
William Patel
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want public transit, then yeah this place is great. But if cost of living matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
39 upvotes
Mackenzie Thompson
I've been living here for 7 years and I'd say the quality of life is solid. The housing market is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
38 upvotes
jaxchef2023
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because I genuinely enjoy living here. The walkability is honestly surprisingly good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
35 upvotes
Theodore Myers
literally same
34 upvotes
Sophia Flores
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 10 years. Moved from Miami for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is improving - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. West schools are challenging. 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. Dating scene is rough. Homeless population growing downtown. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in West for 10 years. Moved from Miami for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is improving - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. West schools are challenging. 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. Dating scene is rough. Homeless population growing downtown. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
34 upvotes
Quinn Jackson
Used to live on the Sunset side, now on the Fairview side. Completely different vibe. I love the pace of life here.
33 upvotes
gabriel_native
hard disagree but ok
32 upvotes
minneapolisgirl2023
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 39, moved here 13 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Eastside and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Affordable housing options
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The cultural scene situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for young professionals. better than expected 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 Raleigh, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
Background: I'm a social worker, 39, moved here 13 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Eastside and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Affordable housing options
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The cultural scene situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for young professionals. better than expected 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 Raleigh, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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
William Flores
good to know, thanks
31 upvotes
Alexa H.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 11 years. Moved from New York for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Riverside schools are underrated. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Riverside for 11 years. Moved from New York for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Riverside schools are underrated. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
28 upvotes
Easton Diaz
noted, appreciate it
28 upvotes
Leah Evans
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Atlanta about 4 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are wild, gas is tough.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Happy to answer more specific questions..
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Atlanta about 4 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are wild, gas is tough.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Happy to answer more specific questions..
26 upvotes
naomi_mama
We moved here with our family and it's not perfect but it works for me. Schools in Cedar Grove area are tough. Kids love it here.
20 upvotes
Addison Y.
Bought a house here in 2022 and I love the pace of life here. Property values have gone about the same since then.
20 upvotes
Miles Harris
good to know, thanks
18 upvotes
Wesley Gomez
not my experience at all
18 upvotes
allison_fan
I've lived in Fairview for about 2 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 Tampa, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Active local events and festivals
- The dating scene scene is tough
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for singles. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Tampa, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Active local events and festivals
- The dating scene scene is tough
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for singles. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
18 upvotes
Ethan Lee
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Compared to New York it's tough.
17 upvotes
Everly Parker
lol so true
16 upvotes
Noah Smith
+1
14 upvotes
Ava Collins
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 1 years. Moved from Charlotte for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are pretty good. 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. Limited public transit options. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Old Town for 1 years. Moved from Charlotte for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are pretty good. 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. Limited public transit options. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
14 upvotes
Colton Clark
interesting, hadn't considered that
14 upvotes
Joyce R.
exactly what I was thinking
12 upvotes
Timothy C.
Came here for cost of living and stayed because it's been a really good experience overall. The job market is honestly surprisingly good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
10 upvotes
Jace Long
I've lived in South for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Lots of new development happening
- Good airport with direct flights
- The school system scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for remote workers. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Lots of new development happening
- Good airport with direct flights
- The school system scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for remote workers. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
8 upvotes
Jonathan Johnson
it depends on the neighborhood
8 upvotes
Jack Mendoza
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Pittsburgh 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 Oak Park. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
No regrets on my end..
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Oak Park. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
No regrets on my end..
5 upvotes
Rylee Gray
Hot take but it's exactly what I was looking for. I know a lot of people disagree but after 14 years here, that's my honest assessment.
4 upvotes
Mateo
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 7 years. Moved from Boston for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are tough. 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. Winters are long and cold. Can feel isolated. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Old Town for 7 years. Moved from Boston for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are tough. 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. Winters are long and cold. Can feel isolated. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
1 upvotes