Hey, Military spouse here. Crime rate is something to consider — Santa Clara sits at 163.1 per 100K. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Does this match your experience?
34 upvotes
12 Replies
Avery Walker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 45, moved here 14 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Springfield and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Diverse dining options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The outdoor recreation situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for retirees. decent vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Chicago, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
36 upvotes
Sophie G.
facts
35 upvotes
Waylon Foster
I'm a electrician and I've found it exceeded my expectations. The community is better than expected and there's always something going on.
34 upvotes
milwaukee_alice
Used to live on the North side, now on the Eastside side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.
30 upvotes
Bella A.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Chicago about 10 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Four distinct seasons
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are developing, gas is decent.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Good luck with whatever you decide..
28 upvotes
Xavier R.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want pet-friendliness, then yeah this place is great. But if safety matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
27 upvotes
Audrey Morris
great question, following
26 upvotes
David Cooper
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in West area are challenging. Kids love it here.
26 upvotes
Santiago E.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from New York about 14 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good airport with direct flights
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Urban sprawl is real
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are established, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Good luck with whatever you decide..
19 upvotes
Colton Price
I've lived in Westside for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Four distinct seasons
- The school system scene is improving
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for families. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
12 upvotes
Nova Edwards
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 51, moved here 2 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in The Heights and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Can feel isolated
3. The traffic situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for couples. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Nashville, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $40K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
7 upvotes
Adeline S.
I'm a project manager and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. The community is challenging and there's always something going on.
All Countries
