I'm a remote worker and Household incomes average around $186,250 in North Tustin. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Should I be concerned? Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
12 upvotes
16 Replies
Dominic Gray
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's not perfect but it works for me. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
38 upvotes
Addison Jones
good to know, thanks
36 upvotes
James Chavez
As someone who grew up here, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. A lot has changed in the past few years though. food scene used to be much manageable but now it's improving.
29 upvotes
Nicholas Anderson
seconding this
28 upvotes
Grayson H.
it depends on the neighborhood
26 upvotes
Axel Martinez
Came here for cost of living and stayed because there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor recreation is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
21 upvotes
proud_gabriella57
As someone who grew up here, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. A lot has changed in the past few years though. healthcare used to be much wild but now it's decent.
20 upvotes
Elena Nguyen
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I genuinely enjoy living here. Compared to San Diego it's average.
14 upvotes
Nova Clark
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely solid and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Fairview) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Dating scene is rough.
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.
14 upvotes
Karen K.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 34, moved here 1 years ago from LA. I've lived in East and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The safety situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for young professionals. average vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 LA, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
7 upvotes
Katherine Gutierrez
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want job market, then yeah this place is great. But if pet-friendliness matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
4 upvotes
omahapapa2020
I've lived in Eastside for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Strong sense of community
- The housing market scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for couples. Good luck with whatever you decide..
4 upvotes
Gloria M.
I've lived in Downtown for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Salt Lake City, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The food scene scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Can feel isolated
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for couples. Good luck with whatever you decide..
4 upvotes
loving_sophie40
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want food scene, then yeah this place is great. But if community vibe matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
3 upvotes
John J.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is food scene. it's not perfect but it works for me. Worth doing your research before committing.
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