Longtime lurker here, The median home value here is around $568,000, which is pretty steep. Crime rate is something to consider — Ontario sits at 359.5 per 100K. The unemployment rate is 3.9%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $82,806, which feels pretty solid for the area. Household incomes average around $82,806 in Ontario. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Am I overthinking this? The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The suburbs are where most families end up. The weather takes some getting used to. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
11 upvotes
17 Replies
Serenity D.
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
37 upvotes
Kennedy Ramirez
accurate
37 upvotes
Aiden W.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 14 years. Moved from Houston for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. 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. Sunset schools are underrated. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Can feel isolated. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
Mason Sanders
thanks for sharing
23 upvotes
Jonathan
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
22 upvotes
Adrian Brown
The food scene here is average. Tons of great Thai places. it exceeded my expectations.
21 upvotes
Ethan Ramos
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 43, moved here 10 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Highland and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Close to major attractions
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The cost of living situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for couples. improving vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Denver, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
21 upvotes
Colton D.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Minneapolis and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Riverside. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in marketing. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
21 upvotes
clara_rider
I've lived in Downtown for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Decent public transit for the size
- The cost of living scene is decent
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
19 upvotes
Colton Allen
I work in hospitality here and it was the best decision I ever made. The job market for my field is tough. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
18 upvotes
Allison Brown
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want community vibe, then yeah this place is great. But if walkability matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
12 upvotes
Wyatt
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 14 years here, that's my honest assessment.
10 upvotes
Jaxon Y.
yep
10 upvotes
Kinsley M.
I've been living here for 6 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The school system is excellent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
7 upvotes
Theresa G.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 14 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
All Countries
