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Emily L. qa

Quick question about Poway

Hey folks, With a population of 48,515, Poway is a smaller city. What do you all think?
0 upvotes

20 Replies

Wyatt
I've been living here for 8 years and I'd say it's exactly what I was looking for. The housing market is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
35 upvotes
Angel
glad someone said it
35 upvotes
Emilia Hill
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
33 upvotes
Jessica C.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Fairview for 7 years. Moved from Houston for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2015 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.

**Employment:**
government is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is average - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Fairview schools are underrated. 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. Nightlife is limited. Dating scene is rough. And healthcare can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
Stella T.
I work in real estate here and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market for my field is decent. Feel free to reach out with questions..
31 upvotes
Hazel Wright
big facts right here
31 upvotes
Alice Flores
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Highland for 15 years. Moved from Dallas for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.

**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is improving - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Highland 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. Rising rent and home prices. Homeless population growing downtown. And traffic can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
Hazel Hill
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
26 upvotes
Valentina Adams
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Eastside for 15 years. Moved from Minneapolis for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. 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 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.

**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is solid - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Eastside schools are surprisingly 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. Urban sprawl is real. Not very walkable outside downtown. And community vibe can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
Grayson Robinson
great question, following
19 upvotes
Isla Thomas
Weather-wise, the summers are excellent and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
19 upvotes
Ruby Bailey
bump
17 upvotes
Nova Cox
I've lived in Oak Park for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.

I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.

A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Strong sense of community
- The community vibe scene is average

The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Chain restaurants dominate

Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for remote workers. No regrets on my end..
15 upvotes
sebastian_rider
honestly same experience here
12 upvotes
Violet Watson
We moved here with our family and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Schools in Old Town area are tough. Kids love it here.
11 upvotes
Easton W.
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in Midtown area are solid. Kids love it here.
8 upvotes
cincygirl2020
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.

I've been here 11 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.

That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is challenging.

Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.

Would recommend to anyone considering it..
7 upvotes
real_cameron38
hard disagree but ok
6 upvotes
john_local
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a accountant, 27, moved here 6 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Lakewood and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The traffic situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for singles. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 Tampa, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $80K-$90K here.

**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
6 upvotes
Peyton J.
been saying this for years
0 upvotes
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