Hey, We have two kids and Crime rate is something to consider -North Tustin sits at 167.0 per 100K. The median home value here is around $1,212,400, which is pretty steep. The unemployment rate is 2.7%, which is pretty low. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
24 upvotes
14 Replies
Aaron Hughes
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
40 upvotes
Melanie L.
following this thread
37 upvotes
Valentina Diaz
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. No regrets on my end..
37 upvotes
Greyson Phillips
yeah no that's not right
35 upvotes
Isabella Morgan
wish I knew this sooner
25 upvotes
sd_michael
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Boston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Westside. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in government. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
24 upvotes
Kayden
As someone who grew up here, it's improved dramatically in recent years. A lot has changed in the past few years though. nightlife used to be much manageable but now it's excellent.
19 upvotes
Harper Mitchell
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 2 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
17 upvotes
John M.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely excellent and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (South) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Charlotte, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
15 upvotes
David J.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are hit or miss, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
12 upvotes
Leah Morris
thanks for sharing
11 upvotes
Victoria Howard
Weather-wise, the summers are surprisingly good and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.
10 upvotes
Arianna Robinson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 15 years. Moved from Seattle for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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. Highland schools are solid. 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. Limited high-paying job options. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
9 upvotes
William Gomez
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Good luck with whatever you decide..
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