Hey, I'm originally from St. Louis and Household incomes average around $87,592 in San Gabriel. The unemployment rate is 3.9%, which is pretty low. The weather takes some getting used to. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Is this normal for San Gabriel? People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
22 upvotes
3 Replies
Caleb Jackson
Hot take but I'm still on the fence after all this time. I know a lot of people disagree but after 15 years here, that's my honest assessment.
27 upvotes
Ethan
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely hit or miss and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Riverside) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Miami, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
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.
16 upvotes
Emmett R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 5 years. Moved from Charlotte for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up a bit 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:**
healthcare is strong here. government 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:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown schools are improving. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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