So, I'm a remote worker and Rent is about $1,797/month for a decent place. Household incomes average around $101,023 in Ramona. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The city has invested a lot in new development. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The city has invested a lot in new development. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The weather takes some getting used to. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
8 upvotes
5 Replies
sf_ezra
not my experience at all
40 upvotes
Luna Garcia
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from New York about 13 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are growing, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Definitely worth checking out..
36 upvotes
Lydia Carter
I've been living here for 8 years and I'd say it's exactly what I was looking for. The dating scene is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
34 upvotes
Gabriel T.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 24, moved here 6 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Pine Hills and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The traffic situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for retirees. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $50K-$140K 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.