Anyone else feel this way? Poverty rate is 14.7%, which is around average. Household incomes average around $64,270 in Pasadena. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Would love some local perspective. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
51 upvotes
14 Replies
Ella Phillips
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Chicago and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Greenfield. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in retail. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
40 upvotes
Reagan Alvarez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 5 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Greenfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
33 upvotes
Hannah C.
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
32 upvotes
Emma
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 51, moved here 13 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Old Town and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Limited public transit options
3. The nightlife situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for couples. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Miami, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K 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.
28 upvotes
Valentina Martin
Moved here from Nashville about 9 years ago. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Still getting used to outdoor recreation but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
26 upvotes
Landon Smith
I work in tech here and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The job market for my field is surprisingly good. Feel free to reach out with questions..
16 upvotes
chicago_silas
I work in tech here and it's not perfect but it works for me. The job market for my field is solid. Hope this helps!.
14 upvotes
Samuel P.
not my experience at all
14 upvotes
Lucas M.
lol so true
12 upvotes
Roman Walker
yep
11 upvotes
austinheart2022
I've lived in Eastside for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Four distinct seasons
- Close to major attractions
- The nightlife scene is average
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for young professionals. Happy to answer more specific questions..
4 upvotes
Josiah M.
I work in finance here and it exceeded my expectations. The job market for my field is tough. Good luck with whatever you decide..
2 upvotes
Evelyn Bennett
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from San Francisco and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Midtown. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in real estate. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
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