We have two kids and The unemployment rate is 3.6%, which is pretty low. Homes are going for about $1,045,000 on average. Crime rate is something to consider — Pasadena sits at 432.0 per 100K. The weather takes some getting used to. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Am I overthinking this? Thanks in advance! There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
48 upvotes
7 Replies
Elena
The food scene here is pretty good. Tons of great Thai places. it was the best decision I ever made.
40 upvotes
Genesis Turner
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely pretty good and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Limited public transit 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.
32 upvotes
Isla J.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 58, moved here 5 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Fairview and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Close to major attractions
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. Limited high-paying job options
2. Limited shopping options
3. The safety situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for singles. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Boston, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $70K-$80K 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.
30 upvotes
Joyce R.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from San Francisco and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in South. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in engineering. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like sushi.
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