Alright, Rent is about $1,220/month for a decent place. Crime rate is something to consider -Oildale sits at 456.7 per 100K. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
7 upvotes
4 Replies
Jose
Moved here from Seattle about 10 years ago. it's been a really good experience overall. Still getting used to cost of living but Feel free to reach out with questions..
37 upvotes
Kaylee Edwards
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 12 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
36 upvotes
Thomas Chavez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 11 years. Moved from New York for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2020 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are decent. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Limited shopping options. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
Ellie Harris
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Houston about 8 years ago. The main reasons were weather and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are reasonable, gas is decent.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Definitely worth checking out..
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