Anyone else feel this way? The unemployment rate is 3.8%, which is pretty low. With a population of 1.4M, San Diego is a major city. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Does this match your experience? There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The suburbs are where most families end up.
14 upvotes
7 Replies
Ella F.
Hot take but I genuinely enjoy living here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 15 years here, that's my honest assessment.
37 upvotes
columbusvibes2022
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 33, moved here 8 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Greenfield and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Bugs and humidity in summer
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The weather situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for couples. tough vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 Francisco, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
35 upvotes
Madelyn Miller
lol so true
32 upvotes
Matthew Nelson
couldn't agree more
22 upvotes
Robert Kelly
facts
21 upvotes
Betty A.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 46, moved here 13 years ago from LA. I've lived in Oak Park and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - 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 pet-friendliness situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for singles. surprisingly good 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 underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $50K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
5 upvotes
Elizabeth S.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 42, moved here 14 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Fairview and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The community vibe situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for families. better than expected 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 Chicago, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$150K 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.
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