So, We're a young couple and Crime rate is something to consider — Palmdale sits at 418.7 per 100K. Homes are going for about $435,300 on average. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. What neighborhoods would you suggest? Thanks for reading. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much.
12 upvotes
21 Replies
Sadie Green
Moved here last year, no regrets.
39 upvotes
Brielle Gonzalez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Raleigh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Downtown. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in retail. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Definitely worth checking out..
38 upvotes
Benjamin
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 9 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Lots of new development happening
- Affordable housing options
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are stable, gas is excellent.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
38 upvotes
Matthew Cooper
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Pine Hills for 12 years. Moved from Seattle for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Pine Hills schools are better than expected. 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. Limited shopping options. Dating scene is rough. And traffic 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.
37 upvotes
Sophia
+1
37 upvotes
Scott F.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 33, moved here 8 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in South and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The dating scene situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for retirees. decent vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
34 upvotes
Alexa Turner
Public transit is challenging here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
31 upvotes
Cora Rodriguez
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it's exactly what I was looking for. Compared to Austin it's better than expected.
29 upvotes
Silas Thomas
I'm a chef and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. The community is better than expected and there's always something going on.
28 upvotes
Logan B.
I work in education here and I love the pace of life here. The job market for my field is average. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
26 upvotes
Robert Evans
same here
20 upvotes
boston_cooper
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it's exactly what I was looking for. Compared to Minneapolis it's underrated.
20 upvotes
Jace Baker
100%
17 upvotes
Aaron Lee
noted, appreciate it
16 upvotes
Dylan
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I have mixed feelings honestly. Internet is improving in most areas.
15 upvotes
Jonathan King
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cultural scene, then yeah this place is great. But if school system matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
14 upvotes
Mason Flores
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 31, moved here 3 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Lakewood and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally hit or miss - 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 traffic situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for young professionals. tough vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Chicago, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$80K 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.
14 upvotes
Hudson Parker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 28, moved here 1 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Riverside and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Great outdoor activities nearby
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The school system situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for families. better than expected 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
11 upvotes
Sofia R.
As someone who grew up here, I genuinely enjoy living here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. nightlife used to be much competitive but now it's surprisingly good.
10 upvotes
Amelia
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Worth doing your research before committing.
8 upvotes
milwaukee_delilah
Weather-wise, the summers are better than expected and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
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