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urban_ezra30
housing
Best apartments in Santa Cruz under ?
Random thought, The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
26 upvotes
19 Replies
Olivia Watson
Moved here from Houston about 3 years ago. I have mixed feelings honestly. Still getting used to dating scene but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
38 upvotes
Luna Williams
Used to live on the Midtown side, now on the Greenfield side. Completely different vibe. it's exactly what I was looking for.
38 upvotes
Ezra Reed
My experience has been mostly positive. it's been a really good experience overall. The only thing I'd watch out for is dating scene. Other than that, Hope this helps!.
34 upvotes
Colton Martinez
Came here for work and stayed because I genuinely enjoy living here. The community vibe is honestly tough and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
33 upvotes
seattlevibes2020
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Cedar Grove for 8 years. Moved from Charlotte for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2022 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is average - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Cedar Grove schools are better than expected. 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. Property taxes are high. Chain restaurants dominate. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Cedar Grove for 8 years. Moved from Charlotte for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2022 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is average - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Cedar Grove schools are better than expected. 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. Property taxes are high. Chain restaurants dominate. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
Rylee Ruiz
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Houston about 12 years ago. The main reasons were family and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- Decent public transit for the size
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are manageable, gas is challenging.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Houston about 12 years ago. The main reasons were family and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- Decent public transit for the size
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are manageable, gas is challenging.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
29 upvotes
Elizabeth O.
Hot take but I'm still on the fence after all this time. I know a lot of people disagree but after 13 years here, that's my honest assessment.
25 upvotes
Brielle M.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Internet is improving in most areas.
24 upvotes
Gabriella Miller
The food scene here is pretty good. Tons of great sushi places. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
21 upvotes
Avery Rivera
I work in retail here and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The job market for my field is hit or miss. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
21 upvotes
Aiden Roberts
I've been living here for 6 years and I'd say I love the pace of life here. The job market is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
15 upvotes
nola_andrew
This.
14 upvotes
Nancy A.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 5 years. Moved from Raleigh for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is improving - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Highland schools are better than expected. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Highland for 5 years. Moved from Raleigh for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is improving - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Highland schools are better than expected. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Jameson Cruz
seconding this
11 upvotes
Daniel R.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely solid and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Downtown) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Charlotte, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely solid and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Downtown) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Charlotte, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
11 upvotes
Grace Ramos
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I have mixed feelings honestly. Compared to Denver it's solid.
9 upvotes
Joshua Hernandez
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is healthcare. the quality of life is solid. Worth doing your research before committing.
4 upvotes
Sadie Williams
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 3 years. Moved from Minneapolis for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2017 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:**
engineering is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside 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. Limited public transit options. Rising rent and home prices. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Westside for 3 years. Moved from Minneapolis for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2017 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:**
engineering is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside 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. Limited public transit options. Rising rent and home prices. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
2 upvotes
Adam
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Portland and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Midtown. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Midtown. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
0 upvotes