Random thought, I relocated for work and The median home value here is around $305,100, which seems about average. Average temperature is around 48--F, so expect cold winters. You can expect to pay around $1,397 for rent here. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The suburbs are where most families end up.
Pros:
- Good schools
- Lots of new development
- Walkable downtown
Cons:
- Traffic can be terrible
- Hot summers
- Poor road conditions
- Far from major airports
- Homelessness issues downtown
Am I wrong here? Thanks for reading. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
3 upvotes
15 Replies
Brenda M.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Atlanta about 13 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are affordable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
38 upvotes
Christian Kim
Can confirm, been here 4 years.
33 upvotes
lake_mason26
I've lived in Sunset for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Active local events and festivals
- Four distinct seasons
- The community vibe scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for couples. Good luck with whatever you decide..
28 upvotes
Robert K.
As someone who grew up here, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. A lot has changed in the past few years though. nightlife used to be much established but now it's tough.
28 upvotes
Sadie Allen
My experience has been mostly positive. it was the best decision I ever made. The only thing I'd watch out for is traffic. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
27 upvotes
river_carter89
Came here for cost of living and stayed because the quality of life is solid. The healthcare is honestly surprisingly good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
27 upvotes
Asher Gonzalez
accurate
27 upvotes
Claire
haha yep pretty much
22 upvotes
Alice R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 58, moved here 9 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Uptown and Highland, 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. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The housing market situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for couples. solid vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Seattle, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
19 upvotes
Caleb Lopez
Came here for work and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The safety is honestly excellent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
16 upvotes
Marie G.
I've lived in Westside for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Affordable housing options
- The school system scene is decent
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. Hope this helps!.
13 upvotes
Alexa
interesting, hadn't considered that
5 upvotes
Adam L.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from San Francisco and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Riverside. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in marketing. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
5 upvotes
Cameron Gomez
Bought a house here in 2016 and it's not perfect but it works for me. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
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