Not sure if this has been asked before, but I'm single, late 40s, and Average temperature is around 67--F, so the weather is moderate. Poverty rate is 19.8%, which is higher than I expected. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Am I wrong here? Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The suburbs are where most families end up.
13 upvotes
27 Replies
Camila S.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 7 years. Moved from Minneapolis for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset schools are pretty good. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Benjamin L.
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 housing market. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
39 upvotes
Luke Campbell
preach
35 upvotes
Victoria Bennett
good to know, thanks
32 upvotes
Maverick Richardson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 27, moved here 3 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Old Town and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Close to major attractions
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The community vibe situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for retirees. decent vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Seattle, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
30 upvotes
Audrey Gray
The food scene here is hit or miss. Tons of great Southern places. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
28 upvotes
Andrew
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 10 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Four distinct seasons
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are competitive, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
26 upvotes
Emmett L.
We moved here with our family and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Schools in Oak Park area are improving. Kids love it here.
24 upvotes
Carter H.
As someone who grew up here, it's improved dramatically in recent years. A lot has changed in the past few years though. pet-friendliness used to be much developing but now it's tough.
21 upvotes
Kai Lopez
We moved here with our family and I genuinely enjoy living here. Schools in The Heights area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
21 upvotes
Eva A.
Weather-wise, the summers are better than expected and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
19 upvotes
Axel M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 31, moved here 13 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Downtown and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The weather situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for couples. decent 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 Charlotte, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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
Julian K.
I've lived in East for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from New York, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The walkability scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Summers can be brutally hot
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for couples. Happy to answer more specific questions..
15 upvotes
Brian E.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 32, moved here 4 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Eastside and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Affordable housing options
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The outdoor recreation situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for young professionals. improving vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Portland, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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
Sarah Morgan
Used to live on the Pine Hills side, now on the North side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.
9 upvotes
Ruby M.
spot on
9 upvotes
Liam Gutierrez
bump
9 upvotes
Lydia Rogers
Saving this thread
8 upvotes
charlotte_kid
glad someone said it
7 upvotes
Kaylee Collins
As someone who grew up here, it was the best decision I ever made. A lot has changed in the past few years though. traffic used to be much affordable but now it's improving.
7 upvotes
Piper Rodriguez
Totally agree!
7 upvotes
proud_jaxon98
Can confirm, been here 2 years.
7 upvotes
larunner2024
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 26, moved here 2 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in East and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The walkability situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for singles. improving vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 Phoenix, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $70K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
4 upvotes
Peyton Myers
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 12 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
4 upvotes
Ian Wright
been saying this for years
3 upvotes
Sebastian Nelson
As someone who grew up here, it's been a really good experience overall. A lot has changed in the past few years though. weather used to be much competitive but now it's tough.
2 upvotes
Josiah Walker
The food scene here is surprisingly good. Tons of great Korean places. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
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