Random thought, I'm retired and The unemployment rate is 3.7%, which is pretty low. You can expect to pay around $903 for rent here. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Worth the trade-offs? I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The weather takes some getting used to. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
4 upvotes
15 Replies
Aurora Jones
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 2 years here, that's my honest assessment.
32 upvotes
Gabriel G.
hmm interesting perspective
27 upvotes
Dylan Lewis
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is community vibe. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Worth doing your research before committing.
27 upvotes
Asher Patel
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 3 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
26 upvotes
Sadie Parker
Saving this thread
25 upvotes
Wesley J.
exactly what I was thinking
20 upvotes
Weston Cook
Saving this thread
20 upvotes
cool_noah73
glad someone said it
19 upvotes
Matthew Adams
Bought a house here in 2018 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone about the same since then.
15 upvotes
Anna Brooks
I've lived in Sunset for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Four distinct seasons
- The weather scene is surprisingly good
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. Happy to answer more specific questions..
13 upvotes
Peyton King
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Lakewood. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in education. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
10 upvotes
Everett B.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 47, moved here 15 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Highland and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The walkability situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for retirees. 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 San Diego, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$100K 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.
9 upvotes
Bella Ramirez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in The Heights. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in tech. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
5 upvotes
Grayson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Denver about 4 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Limited entertainment options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are competitive, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Definitely worth checking out..
2 upvotes
Abigail Morgan
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely average and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Fairview) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Chain restaurants dominate.
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.
All Countries
