Raising a family in Palos Verdes Estates -thoughts?
Hey, Born and raised here. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Let me know your thoughts.
3 upvotes
5 Replies
Skylar Gray
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cost of living. it's exactly what I was looking for. Worth doing your research before committing.
38 upvotes
riley_native
not my experience at all
32 upvotes
kcgirl2020
Public transit is excellent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
25 upvotes
Olivia Jones
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely underrated and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Eastside) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene is completely different here. And Limited shopping options.
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.
20 upvotes
Sarah
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 51, moved here 8 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Uptown and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The food scene situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for retirees. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Tampa, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$80K 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.
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