Longtime lurker here, I'm a 29-year-old HR manager and Household incomes average around $88,107 in Ridgecrest. Rent is about $1,178/month for a decent place. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Looking forward to hearing from you all.
12 upvotes
4 Replies
Skylar Cruz
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Nashville about 5 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Strong job market in several industries
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are reasonable, gas is average.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
30 upvotes
Evelyn Chavez
My experience has been mostly positive. it's been a really good experience overall. The only thing I'd watch out for is cost of living. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
18 upvotes
Ava F.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 6 years. Moved from Portland for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. 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 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. real estate 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:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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. South schools are tough. 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. Winters are long and cold. Chain restaurants dominate. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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