Been meaning to ask this. We have two kids and You can expect to pay around $3,017 for rent here. With a population of 77,500, Pleasanton is a smaller city. The unemployment rate is 3.1%, which is pretty low. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Would love some local perspective. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
30 upvotes
11 Replies
Kennedy Kim
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Nashville and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Lakewood. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in real estate. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
33 upvotes
Parker
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely challenging and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (West) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
32 upvotes
Jace Foster
glad someone said it
28 upvotes
Maverick T.
underrated comment
23 upvotes
Xavier Nguyen
Saving this thread
22 upvotes
Justin O.
this is the way
19 upvotes
Scarlett Kim
I've lived in Eastside for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good schools in most areas
- The healthcare scene is tough
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for families. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
17 upvotes
Addison Flores
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 12 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Greenfield and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good airport with direct flights
2. Strong sense of community
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The school system situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for young professionals. improving vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 San Francisco, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$80K 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.
16 upvotes
Mason Castillo
preach
14 upvotes
Aaliyah Cook
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
11 upvotes
Luna Long
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want job market, then yeah this place is great. But if healthcare matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
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