Anyone else feel this way? It's a a smaller city city with about 82,423 people. Household incomes average around $150,840 in Redwood City. Homes are going for about $1,838,800 on average. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. 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.
18 upvotes
9 Replies
Nathan Ross
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 56, moved here 5 years ago from LA. I've lived in Highland and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The nightlife situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for retirees. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 LA, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$150K 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.
36 upvotes
Caleb P.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 9 years. Moved from Chicago for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. tech 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:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is tough - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown 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. Nightlife is limited. Limited high-paying job options. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, 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.
27 upvotes
Sarah Mitchell
noted, appreciate it
25 upvotes
Julia B.
not my experience at all
24 upvotes
Josiah
I've lived in The Heights for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Houston, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good schools in most areas
- The cost of living scene is improving
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. Hope this helps!.
24 upvotes
Robert Richardson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Nashville and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Westside. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in legal. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like seafood.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
20 upvotes
Aiden Jimenez
My experience has been mostly positive. it's exactly what I was looking for. The only thing I'd watch out for is cost of living. Other than that, Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
9 upvotes
Nolan Long
Bought a house here in 2016 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
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