Hey everyone, I relocated for work and Poverty rate is 3.8%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $119,393, which feels pretty solid for the area. The suburbs are where most families end up. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Is this normal for Pasadena? Any help is appreciated. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
13 upvotes
12 Replies
James Adams
My experience has been mostly positive. I'm still on the fence after all this time. The only thing I'd watch out for is school system. Other than that, Would recommend to anyone considering it..
40 upvotes
Harper Price
hmm interesting perspective
35 upvotes
Nora S.
Bought a house here in 2017 and I have mixed feelings honestly. Property values have gone about the same since then.
35 upvotes
Nicholas R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Chicago about 12 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are affordable, gas is tough.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
27 upvotes
Camila B.
Used to live on the Fairview side, now on the Pine Hills side. Completely different vibe. it's not perfect but it works for me.
24 upvotes
Brooks Allen
noted, appreciate it
21 upvotes
Austin W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 44, moved here 11 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Cedar Grove and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
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. Limited entertainment options
3. The public transit situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for couples. underrated vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Austin, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $60K-$150K 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.
18 upvotes
Charlotte P.
I've been living here for 13 years and I'd say I love the pace of life here. The traffic is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall Hope this helps!.
16 upvotes
Bennett
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Seattle and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Cedar Grove. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in tech. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
16 upvotes
Jace Gomez
Hot take but I love the pace of life here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 14 years here, that's my honest assessment.
5 upvotes
Kayden Murphy
Moved here from Minneapolis about 3 years ago. I genuinely enjoy living here. Still getting used to healthcare but No regrets on my end..
4 upvotes
Jayden M.
I've been living here for 4 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The food scene is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
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