Hello, I'm a college student here and Homes are going for about $587,000 on average. You can expect to pay around $2,094 for rent here. The unemployment rate is 2.0%, which is pretty low. Crime rate is something to consider -Orcutt sits at 426.7 per 100K. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Should I be concerned? Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
22 upvotes
2 Replies
Sebastian S.
I'm a project manager and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
14 upvotes
Gabriella R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 58, moved here 10 years ago from New York. I've lived in Fairview and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The public transit situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for remote workers. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 New York, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $50K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
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