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Landon Wright
living
Anyone else love living in San Clemente?
Alright, I'm a teacher here and Any help is appreciated.
22 upvotes
25 Replies
Lily Rogers
exactly what I was thinking
39 upvotes
Kenneth M.
Used to live on the Lakewood side, now on the Meadowbrook side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
39 upvotes
Aurora Cox
Weather-wise, the summers are hit or miss and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
39 upvotes
Nova Kim
hard disagree but ok
39 upvotes
Jeremiah Collins
As someone who grew up here, it exceeded my expectations. A lot has changed in the past few years though. weather used to be much developing but now it's average.
39 upvotes
Landon
haha yep pretty much
36 upvotes
Wyatt Perez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 3 years. Moved from Baltimore for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. hospitality 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 challenging - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Uptown schools are average. 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. Limited entertainment options. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Uptown for 3 years. Moved from Baltimore for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. hospitality 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 challenging - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Uptown schools are average. 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. Limited entertainment options. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
real_kai26
glad someone said it
35 upvotes
Waylon H.
haha yep pretty much
33 upvotes
Easton T.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 6 years. Moved from San Francisco for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. retail 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:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is solid - 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. Westside schools are pretty 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Dating scene is rough. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Westside for 6 years. Moved from San Francisco for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. retail 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:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is solid - 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. Westside schools are pretty 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Dating scene is rough. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
Lauren E.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Tampa about 7 years ago. The main reasons were work and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are competitive, gas is average.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. No regrets on my end..
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Tampa about 7 years ago. The main reasons were work and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are competitive, gas is average.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. No regrets on my end..
30 upvotes
Greyson
following this thread
26 upvotes
Austin R.
I work in manufacturing here and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The job market for my field is underrated. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
25 upvotes
Claire Phillips
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I have mixed feelings honestly. Internet is pretty good in most areas.
23 upvotes
Brielle Alvarez
My experience has been mostly positive. it's not perfect but it works for me. The only thing I'd watch out for is school system. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
22 upvotes
dc_gianna
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it was the best decision I ever made. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
19 upvotes
happy_katherine94
been saying this for years
18 upvotes
Charlotte Scott
it depends on the neighborhood
16 upvotes
Ian Allen
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
16 upvotes
Adrian
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 55, moved here 4 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The traffic situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for families. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
Background: I'm a project manager, 55, moved here 4 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The traffic situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for families. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
12 upvotes
Jordan K.
I'm a pharmacist and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. The community is average and there's always something going on.
11 upvotes
miami_emma
Saving this thread
8 upvotes
Lily Wilson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely improving and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Dallas, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely improving and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Dallas, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
2 upvotes
Lillian Bailey
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 54, moved here 11 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Downtown and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The nightlife situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for remote workers. average vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Portland, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$80K 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.
Background: I'm a teacher, 54, moved here 11 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Downtown and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The nightlife situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for remote workers. average vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Portland, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$80K 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.
1 upvotes
Julia Anderson
Came here for cost of living and stayed because I'm still on the fence after all this time. The healthcare is honestly surprisingly good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
0 upvotes