We have two kids and The median home value here is around $621,400, which is pretty steep. Household incomes average around $86,956 in Pico Rivera. Homes are going for about $621,400 on average. Median household income is $86,956, which feels pretty solid for the area. The suburbs are where most families end up. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The weather takes some getting used to. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The weather takes some getting used to.
2 upvotes
28 Replies
Matthew Cooper
My experience has been mostly positive. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The only thing I'd watch out for is nightlife. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
39 upvotes
Paisley Green
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want nightlife, then yeah this place is great. But if housing market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
37 upvotes
Aurora Rivera
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The school system is honestly better than expected and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
35 upvotes
Naomi James
Moved here from Chicago about 12 years ago. it's not perfect but it works for me. Still getting used to pet-friendliness but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
33 upvotes
Landon Hall
I've been living here for 5 years and I'd say it's exactly what I was looking for. The community vibe is better than expected compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
32 upvotes
Nicholas Roberts
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is walkability. the quality of life is solid. Worth doing your research before committing.
28 upvotes
Jonathan W.
haha yep pretty much
27 upvotes
Charlotte Reed
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 1 years here, that's my honest assessment.
26 upvotes
Victoria Adams
I've lived in Lakewood for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Tampa, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Affordable housing options
- The walkability scene is improving
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Nightlife is limited
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for singles. Feel free to reach out with questions..
24 upvotes
Leo Moore
I've lived in Fairview for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Houston, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Strong job market in several industries
- The safety scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. Happy to answer more specific questions..
22 upvotes
Christian A.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
22 upvotes
Landon M.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are hit or miss, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
22 upvotes
Asher Clark
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it's not perfect but it works for me. Compared to Minneapolis it's decent.
22 upvotes
Sadie M.
haha yep pretty much
21 upvotes
Hazel Jackson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 53, moved here 12 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Cedar Grove and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Close to major attractions
3. Diverse dining options
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. Limited shopping options
3. The safety situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for couples. pretty good 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 Raleigh, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$90K 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.
20 upvotes
Ian Peterson
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
18 upvotes
Joseph
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Tampa and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Downtown. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in retail. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
18 upvotes
Michael C.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Compared to Denver it's decent.
17 upvotes
Zoe Wright
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it's been a really good experience overall. Compared to Chicago it's decent.
13 upvotes
Hannah
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want dating scene, then yeah this place is great. But if pet-friendliness matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
13 upvotes
Victoria
seconding this
12 upvotes
Jackson
good to know, thanks
12 upvotes
Amelia Ruiz
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
11 upvotes
Ian Turner
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 3 years. Moved from Charlotte for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is improving - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Chain restaurants dominate. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
9 upvotes
Kaylee Edwards
interesting, hadn't considered that
8 upvotes
Jean F.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are hit or miss, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
4 upvotes
Luke Anderson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 12 years. Moved from Austin for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is improving - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Riverside schools are solid. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Limited high-paying job options. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
4 upvotes
Sadie Lewis
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, the quality of life is solid. Definitely worth checking out..
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