So, My family moved here when I was a kid. Household incomes average around $62,985 in Olivarez. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. What are your go-to spots? Thanks in advance! I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
14 upvotes
14 Replies
Peyton Reyes
literally same
38 upvotes
Brielle Ruiz
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 2 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the Sunset side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
36 upvotes
Ruby Cox
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Minneapolis about 1 years ago. The main reasons were weather and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Lots of new development happening
- Diverse dining options
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Rising rent and home prices
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are manageable, gas is underrated.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
33 upvotes
Wesley R.
been saying this for years
29 upvotes
Arianna Parker
yep
28 upvotes
Samuel B.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Compared to Denver it's underrated.
17 upvotes
Avery
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want public transit, then yeah this place is great. But if healthcare matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
16 upvotes
Amy C.
great question, following
12 upvotes
Amelia A.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely pretty good and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (The Heights) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
11 upvotes
Henry Lewis
great question, following
9 upvotes
Claire Morales
it depends on the neighborhood
7 upvotes
Timothy E.
My experience has been mostly positive. I love the pace of life here. The only thing I'd watch out for is community vibe. Other than that, No regrets on my end..
7 upvotes
Owen Watson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 34, moved here 14 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Lakewood and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The weather situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for singles. tough vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
4 upvotes
Harper Gray
I've lived in South for about 14 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 Raleigh, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong job market in several industries
- The healthcare scene is solid
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. Good luck with whatever you decide..
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