Just moved here 14 months ago and The unemployment rate is 5.6%, which is about average. Homes are going for about $346,000 on average. Poverty rate is 10.4%, which is around average. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Thanks for reading. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The suburbs are where most families end up.
6 upvotes
14 Replies
Stella Gonzalez
Saving this thread
39 upvotes
Jason B.
As someone who grew up here, it's exactly what I was looking for. A lot has changed in the past few years though. traffic used to be much reasonable but now it's underrated.
34 upvotes
Christian N.
yep
34 upvotes
Isabelle Phillips
this is the way
34 upvotes
Santiago
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 55, moved here 4 years ago from Portland. I've lived in East and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally challenging - 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 school system situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for remote workers. solid vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 Portland, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $80K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
33 upvotes
Emmett Lee
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want outdoor recreation, then yeah this place is great. But if school system matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
30 upvotes
Isabelle
seconding this
30 upvotes
Daniel Diaz
Moved here from Chicago about 13 years ago. I genuinely enjoy living here. Still getting used to cost of living but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
29 upvotes
Mateo Martinez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 11 years. Moved from Baltimore for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. construction 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 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. East schools are decent. 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. Nightlife is limited. Bugs and humidity in summer. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
Sofia Green
I'm a software engineer and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. The community is average and there's always something going on.
17 upvotes
Jack Ruiz
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Internet is underrated in most areas.
15 upvotes
Isla B.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is job market. I love the pace of life here. Worth doing your research before committing.
13 upvotes
Adam Martinez
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is outdoor recreation. I have mixed feelings honestly. Worth doing your research before committing.
11 upvotes
Weston Howard
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely pretty good and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Westside) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
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