Been meaning to ask this. I'm a remote worker and Household incomes average around $104,321 in San Diego. Homes are going for about $848,500 on average. With a population of 1.4M, San Diego is a major city. Average temperature is around 61°F, so the weather is moderate. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Anyone in a similar situation? Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
100 upvotes
4 Replies
Dylan Ross
I've lived in Westside for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Strong job market in several industries
- The outdoor recreation scene is improving
The downsides:
- Can feel isolated
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for young professionals. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
29 upvotes
Zoey Chavez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 7 years. Moved from Denver for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2022 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Lakewood 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. Can feel isolated. Homeless population growing downtown. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
Ian Rodriguez
it depends on the neighborhood
18 upvotes
Joseph
I've lived in Maple Ridge for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from New York, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Lots of new development happening
- Close to major attractions
- The traffic scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Limited entertainment options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. Happy to answer more specific questions..
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