Hey folks, Born and raised here. Crime rate is something to consider — Oceanside sits at 402.0 per 100K. It's a a mid-size city city with about 173K people. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Anyone in a similar situation? The food scene here is surprisingly good.
18 upvotes
16 Replies
milwaukeelover2020
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 3 years. Moved from Austin for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is average - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. West schools are tough. 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. Winters are long and cold. Road conditions need improvement. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Emmett Bailey
I'm a electrician and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. The community is decent and there's always something going on.
36 upvotes
Eliana Johnson
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
35 upvotes
Mason
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is food scene. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Worth doing your research before committing.
29 upvotes
Ezekiel Howard
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
28 upvotes
Luca Lewis
Bought a house here in 2020 and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
25 upvotes
Dylan
We moved here with our family and it was the best decision I ever made. Schools in Midtown area are solid. Kids love it here.
25 upvotes
Sebastian M.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 1 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
25 upvotes
fresnovibes2020
I've been living here for 11 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The cost of living is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
20 upvotes
Miles Jackson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 10 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
16 upvotes
Leah
wish I knew this sooner
16 upvotes
Piper Hill
I've lived in South for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Active local events and festivals
- The cost of living scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for retirees. Good luck with whatever you decide..
13 upvotes
Emma Rivera
I've lived in Meadowbrook for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Decent public transit for the size
- The dating scene scene is decent
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. Happy to answer more specific questions..
11 upvotes
Colton
spot on
7 upvotes
Roman Carter
I've been living here for 11 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The community vibe is decent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
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