Random thought, I'm retired and It's a a mid-size city city with about 104K people. Crime rate is something to consider -San Mateo sits at 250.9 per 100K. Median household income is $152,669, which feels pretty solid for the area. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The weather takes some getting used to. Should I be concerned? Appreciate any input. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The city has invested a lot in new development. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The weather takes some getting used to.
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Levi Thompson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 2 years. Moved from San Diego for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2021 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Chain restaurants dominate. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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