Alright, Just moved here 2 months ago and Average temperature is around 48--F, so expect cold winters. The unemployment rate is 0.9%, which is pretty low. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Would love some local perspective. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
3 upvotes
13 Replies
Sebastian White
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Miami and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Lakewood. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
37 upvotes
William Hughes
big facts right here
37 upvotes
Sophia Harris
glad someone said it
35 upvotes
William Patel
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 58, moved here 8 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Midtown and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The dating scene situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for retirees. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Raleigh, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $80K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
34 upvotes
Oliver Baker
The food scene here is hit or miss. Tons of great Thai places. I love the pace of life here.
34 upvotes
Scarlett Hughes
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Compared to Dallas it's tough.
23 upvotes
Valentina King
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 11 years. Moved from Baltimore for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is solid - 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. Sunset schools are improving. 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 shopping options. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
17 upvotes
everly_local
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Miami and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in West. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in retail. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Thai.
No regrets on my end..
14 upvotes
Ezekiel A.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, the quality of life is solid. Happy to answer more specific questions..
13 upvotes
Noah W.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Austin about 10 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are growing, gas is underrated.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Good luck with whatever you decide..
10 upvotes
Cora Reyes
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 12 years here, that's my honest assessment.
9 upvotes
Owen
preach
1 upvotes
James C.
I've lived in Eastside for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good healthcare facilities
- The healthcare scene is solid
The downsides:
- Limited entertainment options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for retirees. Feel free to reach out with questions..
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