Hi all, We're a young couple and Rent is about $2,178/month for a decent place. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Appreciate any input. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The suburbs are where most families end up.
25 upvotes
12 Replies
Brooks Jones
Bought a house here in 2015 and it exceeded my expectations. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
37 upvotes
Aurora Davis
Came here for cost of living and stayed because I genuinely enjoy living here. The dating scene is honestly excellent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
36 upvotes
Owen Davis
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 8 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
35 upvotes
Elena G.
Can confirm, been here 8 years.
32 upvotes
Jacob Roberts
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 41, moved here 11 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Oak Park and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The job market situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for families. improving vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Seattle, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
31 upvotes
Jeremiah Mitchell
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Compared to Pittsburgh it's tough.
30 upvotes
Naomi M.
seconding this
28 upvotes
Isabelle Cook
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 8 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Active local events and festivals
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are developing, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
22 upvotes
Zoey Diaz
I work in real estate here and it was the best decision I ever made. The job market for my field is challenging. Definitely worth checking out..
18 upvotes
Nicholas Long
I'm a accountant and I've found the quality of life is solid. The community is underrated and there's always something going on.
17 upvotes
Eleanor Flores
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 13 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
16 upvotes
Doris R.
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 San Francisco for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have desert landscapes 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 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. Chain restaurants dominate. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, 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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