Curious what people think. It's a a smaller city city with about 91,535 people. You can expect to pay around $2,338 for rent here. Average temperature is around 62--F, so the weather is moderate. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Is this normal for Santa Monica? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
9 upvotes
3 Replies
Paisley Alvarez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 48, moved here 3 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Uptown and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Active local events and festivals
2. Affordable housing options
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. Winters are long and cold
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The cost of living situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for retirees. improving vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
31 upvotes
Asher Rodriguez
Came here for cost of living and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The weather is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
25 upvotes
Noah Morris
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 34, moved here 11 years ago from LA. I've lived in Riverside and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The dating scene situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for couples. decent vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 LA, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $60K-$150K 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.
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