Longtime lurker here, With a population of 12,279, San Marino is a small town. Crime rate is something to consider -San Marino sits at 106.1 per 100K. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Thoughts? Appreciate any input. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
1 upvotes
13 Replies
Lucas Mendoza
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
39 upvotes
Isla Flores
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 6 years. Moved from Atlanta for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth about the same 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:**
retail is strong here. manufacturing 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:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Meadowbrook schools are underrated. 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. Limited shopping options. Bugs and humidity in summer. And cultural 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.
32 upvotes
vegas_caroline
I work in real estate here and it exceeded my expectations. The job market for my field is better than expected. Definitely worth checking out..
31 upvotes
Natalie Sanders
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Houston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Fairview. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in education. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
Definitely worth checking out..
30 upvotes
Levi J.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Nashville about 6 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Active local events and festivals
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are developing, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
29 upvotes
Walter R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 35, moved here 11 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in West and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Great outdoor activities nearby
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The public transit situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for couples. tough vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 growing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $70K-$140K 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.
25 upvotes
Elizabeth Ortiz
Hot take but it's exactly what I was looking for. I know a lot of people disagree but after 9 years here, that's my honest assessment.
25 upvotes
Emily Bailey
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 13 years. Moved from Phoenix for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is underrated - 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. Meadowbrook 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. Rising rent and home prices. Limited high-paying job options. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
Matthew S.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Minneapolis and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in East. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Indian.
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