Hello, I'm retired and You can expect to pay around $2,422 for rent here. Crime rate is something to consider -Novato sits at 263.7 per 100K. Average temperature is around 58--F, so the weather is moderate. Homes are going for about $1,007,100 on average. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Does this match your experience? TIA! It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The suburbs are where most families end up. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
2 upvotes
10 Replies
Abigail
yeah no that's not right
38 upvotes
Jonathan Patel
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. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
28 upvotes
loving_jeremiah78
My experience has been mostly positive. I have mixed feelings honestly. The only thing I'd watch out for is walkability. Other than that, Hope this helps!.
21 upvotes
Piper Ramos
spot on
16 upvotes
Skylar Torres
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 29, moved here 5 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in North and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The weather situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for families. tough vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Chicago, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $80K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
13 upvotes
Ethan Jones
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 7 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2016 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is decent - 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. Eastside 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. Nightlife is limited. Property taxes are high. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
10 upvotes
Luca Torres
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Nashville and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Sunset. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in tech. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
10 upvotes
Quinn J.
spot on
6 upvotes
Aubrey Torres
couldn't agree more
3 upvotes
Paisley S.
Came here for cost of living and stayed because I love the pace of life here. The community vibe is honestly excellent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
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