The unemployment rate is 7.5%, which is concerning. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
21 upvotes
27 Replies
Avery Morris
The food scene here is pretty good. Tons of great Mediterranean places. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
40 upvotes
Liam Walker
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it exceeded my expectations. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.
39 upvotes
Josiah Price
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are improving, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
38 upvotes
Ian
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 28, moved here 5 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Riverside and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The safety situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for remote workers. improving vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Diego, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
37 upvotes
Harper G.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I genuinely enjoy living here. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
37 upvotes
Eleanor Cook
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's not perfect but it works for me.
36 upvotes
Oliver
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 6 years. Moved from Denver for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. manufacturing 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 was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is average - 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. Highland schools are hit or miss. 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. Far from beaches/mountains. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
34 upvotes
Aubrey Mitchell
Public transit is excellent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. the quality of life is solid.
33 upvotes
Ella S.
I work in manufacturing here and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market for my field is pretty good. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
32 upvotes
Santiago C.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Raleigh about 15 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are reasonable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Good luck with whatever you decide..
29 upvotes
everett_native
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it was the best decision I ever made. Compared to San Francisco it's excellent.
20 upvotes
Isabella Moore
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Denver about 11 years ago. The main reasons were work and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong job market in several industries
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are wild, gas is average.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Definitely worth checking out..
19 upvotes
Brooklyn
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I genuinely enjoy living here. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
17 upvotes
Jack H.
As someone who grew up here, it's been a really good experience overall. A lot has changed in the past few years though. dating scene used to be much competitive but now it's average.
16 upvotes
Leo White
hard disagree but ok
15 upvotes
Sadie Wilson
preach
13 upvotes
Jayden
good to know, thanks
13 upvotes
Julian S.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it's been a really good experience overall. Compared to Denver it's better than expected.
10 upvotes
Aria Kelly
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 13 years. Moved from Nashville for a fresh start. 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 significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is solid - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. West 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Property taxes are high. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
9 upvotes
Emmett Moore
underrated comment
9 upvotes
Lydia M.
interesting, hadn't considered that
8 upvotes
Julia Morgan
literally same
6 upvotes
sf_delilah
+1
6 upvotes
William Martinez
this is the way
5 upvotes
Eli Ortiz
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is community vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Worth doing your research before committing.
2 upvotes
Allison P.
yeah no that's not right
0 upvotes
Victoria Rodriguez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 4 years. Moved from Austin for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2018 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:**
finance is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset schools are excellent. 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 outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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