Alright, I grew up here but left for a while. With a population of 60,821, Pico Rivera is a smaller city. Crime rate is something to consider -Pico Rivera sits at 372.1 per 100K. Homes are going for about $621,400 on average. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. What are your go-to spots? Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The weather takes some getting used to. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The suburbs are where most families end up. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
7 upvotes
19 Replies
Lisa W.
lol so true
37 upvotes
Hazel Cook
My experience has been mostly positive. it's not perfect but it works for me. The only thing I'd watch out for is walkability. Other than that, It's not for everyone but it works for us..
34 upvotes
Caleb Johnson
glad someone said it
32 upvotes
Alexa Gonzalez
Public transit is solid here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's not perfect but it works for me.
31 upvotes
Ella Clark
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely average and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Downtown) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
30 upvotes
Lydia Jimenez
exactly what I was thinking
30 upvotes
Aaron Reed
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cultural scene. it's not perfect but it works for me. Worth doing your research before committing.
28 upvotes
Savannah Mitchell
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in Pine Hills area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
27 upvotes
Austin K.
100%
23 upvotes
Ezekiel Wood
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from San Diego and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Westside. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in engineering. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
21 upvotes
Daniel
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Seattle about 4 years ago. The main reasons were school and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Good internet infrastructure
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are affordable, gas is average.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Good luck with whatever you decide..
15 upvotes
Cora Hernandez
preach
14 upvotes
Landon M.
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
13 upvotes
Debra W.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is dating scene. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
13 upvotes
Jace Rogers
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. No regrets on my end..
11 upvotes
Scott M.
couldn't agree more
10 upvotes
Landon Cox
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Austin about 11 years ago. The main reasons were school and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are reasonable, gas is solid.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
7 upvotes
Aaron
I work in consulting here and it's exactly what I was looking for. The job market for my field is pretty good. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
7 upvotes
Isabelle Scott
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 38, moved here 10 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The outdoor recreation situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for young professionals. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Baltimore, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$130K 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.
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