Curious what people think. I'm retired and Homes are going for about $653,400 on average. Median household income is $105,613, which feels pretty solid for the area. You can expect to pay around $2,197 for rent here. With a population of 59,485, Santee is a smaller city. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Looking forward to hearing from you all. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The weather takes some getting used to.
19 upvotes
11 Replies
Clara Hill
glad someone said it
39 upvotes
Naomi Thomas
Weather-wise, the summers are surprisingly good and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
36 upvotes
Sophie
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely pretty good and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Sunset) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Nashville, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation 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.
34 upvotes
Owen Roberts
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 45, moved here 12 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Sunset and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The pet-friendliness situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for singles. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 Phoenix, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
27 upvotes
Adrian Ward
it depends on the neighborhood
25 upvotes
Parker Green
Can confirm, been here 8 years.
18 upvotes
Sara O.
underrated comment
10 upvotes
Ethan Scott
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Tampa about 4 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good healthcare facilities
- Decent public transit for the size
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are wild, gas is challenging.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
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