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Dylan Ortiz best-worst

Best kept secrets of Novato, CA

Anyone else feel this way? Average temperature is around 58--F, so the weather is moderate. The suburbs are where most families end up. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Should I be concerned? Appreciate any input. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The weather takes some getting used to.
22 upvotes

17 Replies

Jaxon A.
yeah no that's not right
39 upvotes
mountain_liam32
I've lived in Highland for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.

I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.

A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The cost of living scene is challenging

The downsides:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Limited entertainment options

Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for couples. No regrets on my end..
38 upvotes
Sofia M.
bump
37 upvotes
Everett Jimenez
same here
34 upvotes
Rylee Morales
noted, appreciate it
34 upvotes
Nathan White
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.

If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely hit or miss and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.

But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.

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.
30 upvotes
Genesis Walker
I've been living here for 1 years and I'd say I'm still on the fence after all this time. The weather is improving compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
26 upvotes
Andrew C.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I love the pace of life here. Compared to Minneapolis it's surprisingly good.
22 upvotes
Michael Parker
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.

I've been here 4 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.

That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is hit or miss.

Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.

It's not for everyone but it works for us..
20 upvotes
Reagan M.
interesting, hadn't considered that
18 upvotes
Everly
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.

If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely pretty good and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.

But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.

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.
17 upvotes
Sofia Phillips
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
16 upvotes
Addison Morgan
Can confirm, been here 10 years.
12 upvotes
Zoey G.
My experience has been mostly positive. it's exactly what I was looking for. The only thing I'd watch out for is job market. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..
11 upvotes
Michael Morales
100%
11 upvotes
James
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.

I've been here 4 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.

That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is hit or miss.

Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.

Would recommend to anyone considering it..
10 upvotes
Camila H.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in East for 6 years. Moved from Portland for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. 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 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.

**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. legal 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 challenging - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Road conditions need improvement. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
10 upvotes
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